CBSE Update

1

• CBSE Update
• Major Initiatives of CBSE in Recent Years

2
Overview

• Curriculum Design
• Introduction of New Subjects
• Biotechnology, Fashion Studies and Multimedia and
  Web Technology XI XII
• Disaster Management VIII to X XI
• Education in Life Skills VI to VIII
• Environmental Education I to IX
• Curriculum Reforms
• Mathematics Laboratory
• Alternatives to Homework
• Science through Activities Class VI

3
Overview (contd)

• Curriculum Evaluation.
• School-based Evaluation IX X
• Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation I to
  VIII
• Internal Evaluation in Social Science IX X
• Internal Evaluation in Mathematics IX X
• Restructuring of Science Practical Work IX X
• Empowerment of Principals and Orientation of
  Teachers
• Enrichment Activities.
• Some Initiatives in other Aspects of School
  Education.
• Destressing Education.

4

• BEFORE WE TAKE UP THESE INITIATIVES LET US LOOK
  AT THE CURRICULAR CHANGES MADE BY NCERT ON THE
  BASIS OF NCF - 2005

5
NCERTs Revised Curriculum

• NCERT has revised the curriculum for various
  classes based on NCF 2005.
• New syllabus and text books will be implemented
  in a phased manner as given under
• Phase I (2006-07)
• Classes I, III, VI, IX and XI
• Phase II (2007-08)
• Classes II, IV, VII, X and XII
• Phase III (2008-09)
• Classes V and VIII
• NCERT has put up text books in their website.
  Their Website number is www.ncert.nic.in
• Circular No. 01/2006, dated 16.02.2006 and 04/06,
  dated 29.03.2006

6
New Subjects

• Biotechnology
• Introduced as elective subject at Sr. School in
  2002-2003
• Textual Materials Laboratory Manuals published
  by the Board for both XI XII
• Interested schools should apply on plain paper to
  EO (Sc.)
• Space, funds for equipments and teacher
  conditions for getting permission.
• Teacher PG in Biotechnology/Bio-chemistry /
  Genetic Engineering/Micro Biology/Life Sciences
• Teacher training programmes being conducted at
  different centres.
• Circular No. 09/05.01.04

7
New Subjects (contd)

• Fashion Studies
• Introduced in class XI as elective subject in
  2004-2005
• 70 Theory 30 Practicals.
• Focus Garment design, fabrics, elements of
  fashion and basics of garment making.
• Approximate estimate for Lab Rs. 4-5 lakhs
• Teacher Graduation with three year diploma in
  Fashion Design/Graduation with Diploma in Textile
  Design/M.Sc Home Science with clothing and
  Textiles with 3 years experience in apparel
  industry.
• Interested schools should apply on plain paper
  giving details of space for lab and willingness
  to spend for equipments and appoint suitable
  teacher to the Director (Academic)
• Circular No. 12/26.02.04

8
New Subjects (contd)

• Web and Multimedia Technology
• Introduced in class XI in 2003-04
• Thus CBSE offers three Computer based subjects.
• All three courses on par with other elective
  subjects.
• A candidate can opt for either Computer Science
  or Informatics Practices.
• In addition a candidate can opt for Multimedia
  and Web Technology.
• Thus a maximum of only two out of three IT based
  course allowed.
• Circular No. 10/16.04.03, 26/23.10.2003 and
  13/11.03.2005

9
New Subjects (contd)

• Education in Disaster Management
• Disaster Management introduced as Frontline
  Curriculum in class VIII in 2003-2004.
• Integrated with Social Science 10
• Course Materials for class IX prepared and
  introduced in 2004-2005.
• Class X material prepared and introduced in
  2005-06
• Extended to class XI as a component of Geography
  from 2006-07.
• Hindi Version of Course Materials released.
• Nation-wide teacher training programmes
  conducted.
• Collaboration with UNDPA NIDM and Ministry of
  Home Affairs.
• Circular No. 10/04 dated 26.02.2004, 03/05, dated
  20.01.2005

10
New Subjects (contd)

• Life Skills Education
• Introduced for class VI in 2003-2004.
• Interdisciplinary in nature.
• Evaluation through grades as Continuous and
  Comprehensive Evaluation only positive attributes
  of learners to be reflected.
• Develops self awareness, social commitment,
  eco-sensitivity and positive adaptive behaviour
  in children.
• Implemented in class VII in 2004-2005 and in
  class VIII in 2005-06.
• Course materials have been published by CBSE.
• Training Programmes are being conducted.
• Circulars Nos.21/05.09.03, 11/26.02.04
  04/25.01.05

11
New Subjects (contd)

• Environment Education
• As a compulsory subject from Class I.
• Being implemented on the directive of the Honble
  Supreme Court of India.
• Syllabus for all classes developed by NCERT
  already sent to all affiliated school.
• Atleast two periods per week for this subject.
• Assessment can be part of CCE to be reflected as
  grades in a five point scale.
• A handbook for teachers upto class VIII has been
  published.
• An activity based manual for class IX has been
  published in 2006.
• Schools are advised to teach the subjects upto
  class IX as per NCERT Syllabus.
• Details of Phased implementation and evaluation
  will be intimated to all schools by CBSE in due
  course.
• Circular No. 8/01.02.05 and 08/06 dated 04.05.06.

12
Curriculum Reforms

• Mathematics Laboratory in Schools

• Concept of Mathematics Laboratory introduced by
  the Board in 2002-2003.
• Manual titled Mathematics Laboratory in Schools
  published by the Board to give guidelines and
  specimen activities.
• Aim To remove the fear for Mathematics among
  children and to make the subject more
  interesting.
• All affiliated schools were advised to start the
  Mathematics Laboratory for classes III onwards
  and integrate evaluation of practical
  competencies in Maths with the evaluation of the
  subject.
• Circular No. 03/28.01.04

13
Maths Laboratory (contd)

• Maths Lab provides a conducive ambience for
  students to learn the subject in a joyful manner
  through practical activities and interaction.
• Teachers need to pay attention to both the
  transactional strategies and evaluation
  strategies.
• Simple experiments and projects will lead to the
  development of different skills like numerical,
  observation, thinking, analytical and so on.
• Establishing a Maths Lab does not involve high
  cost. Improvised aids using inexpensive material
  can be made.
• Space required is also quite limited.
• Guidelines given in Mathematics Laboratories in
  schools class III to VIII, class IX and class
  X CBSE publications.
• Circular No. 10/02.03.05

14
Reforms (contd)

• Alternatives to Homework
• The Board introduced the Concept of
  Alternatives to Homework for classes III to V in
  2004-2005
• A manual with guidelines and specimen exercises
  has been published.
• Alternative activities are child-friendly,
  replacing the dull and mechanical homework
  usually given to children.
• Activities involve children in meaningful
  interaction with other members and their
  environment.
• Skills identified in the book are not to be
  evaluated formally but the behavioural changes
  brought about by the empowerment process may be
  reflected as positive inputs in School
  Achievement Record.
• Circular No. 05/25.01.2005.

15
Science through Activities

• Schools should encourage children to learn
  Science through simple activities and
  experiments.
• To promote such an approach based on learning by
  doing the Board has brought out a book called
  Learning by Doing for class VI.
• It gives a number of simple activities and
  experiments that can be done using very
  inexpensive materials and apparatus.
• Such activities will help children understand
  Science concepts in each lesson.

16
Modifications in Social Science for classes VI to
VIII

• There will be three units in Social Science
• Unit I will be devoted to History as per
  following syllabus
• Class VI Ancient India
• Class VII Medieval India
• Class VIII Modern India
• Unit II and III include Geography and Civics and
  some components of Economics
• Accordingly there will be two textbooks in
  Social Science for each class
• Social Science Part-I History
• Social Science Part-II Geography, Civics and
  Economics.
• Circular No. 16/2005 dated 15.03.2005

17
Evaluation

• School based evaluation certificate IX and
  X.
• Introduced in 1999-2000
• Certificate Format developed by Board and sent to
  all affiliated schools.
• Guidelines (circular 14/08.07.1999) have been
  issued.
• School-based Evaluation Certificate to be issued
  by schools to all class X pass-out candidates
• This will be in addition to Boards marks sheet
  and passing certificate
• This certificate gives a holistic profile of
  every learner in terms of attributes, attitudes,
  interests, values besides performance in
  scholastic and co-scholastic areas.
• It is mandatory that every school issues
  School-based Evaluation Certificate to class X
  pass out candidates.

18
Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (Primary)

• Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation
• Desisting assessment of students on the basis of
  one-shot examinations
• Achievement Records for classes I II and for
  classes III V
• Holistic and continuous assessment on a 5 point
  scale.
• Comprehensive Covering scholastic and
  co-scholastic areas.
• Only positive feedback on the achievement of
  learners to encourage multiple talents.
• Rating scales for different subjects for classes
  I to V have been circulated to all schools to
  help teachers carry out the assessment in a
  systematic and scientific manner.

19
Five Point Grading Scale (for Primary)

• Five Points are as under
• (100 Point Scale)
• A Outstanding 90-100
• A Excellent 75-89
• B Very Good 56-74
• C Good 35-55
• D Scope for improvement Below 35
• Circular No. 05/04 dated 13.02.2004, 18/04 dated
  29.03.2004, 31/2004 dated 15.09.2004, 25/04
  dated 12.06.2004 and 21/05 dated 12.04.2005

20
Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (Upper
Primary Level)

• Emphasis on extension of Continuous and
  Comprehensive Evaluation up to class VIII
• Seven Point grading scale has been notified
• Seven Points are as follows
• A - 90 and above
• A - 80 to 89
• B - 70 to 79
• B - 60 to 69
• C - 45 to 59
• D - 33 to 44
• E - Below 33 percent
• It will facilitate maintenance of meaningful
  continuity from primary level and smooth
  transition to grades in secondary level as and
  when introduced.
• Circular no. 02/06 dated 31.01.2006

21
Strengthening Internal Evaluation at Secondary
Level

• Already internal evaluation existed at secondary
  level in Science
• Now the Board has introduced internal
  evaluation
• In Social Science for 20 marks
• In Mathematics for 20 marks
• Internal Evaluation in Social Science from March,
  2006 Board Exam for class-X and Mathematics from
  March, 2007 Board Exam for class-X.

22
Internal Evaluation in Social Science - Details

• 80 marks for External Board Examination
• 20 marks for school-based internal evaluation
• 20 marks will be allotted to the following
  aspects
• Formative and Summative Tests 10 marks
• Assignments 05 marks
• Project Work 05 marks
• How to award marks (detailed guidelines have
  been already circulated)
  
• 
  contd

23
Contd

• Formative and Summative Testing
• In class IX on the basis of announced unit tests
• Marks out of 10 to be awarded and than average
  can be calculated for arriving at 10 marks
• In class X average of class IX and class X unit
  tests (2-3 tests) will be calculated for marks
  to be given out of 10.

24

• Assignments
• Weightage 05 marks
• Assignments Written Questions, Tasks or
  Activities that are based on the lesson or unit
  of teaching.
• Mode of Assessment for recording purpose in
  every month well-planned assignments may be given
• They may be graded using five point rating
  scale A-5, B-4, C-3, D-2, E-1.
• Record of 5 announced assignments, one in each
  month may be kept and average may be calculated
  to arrive at the final award out of 5 marks
  for both classes IX-X

25

• Projects
• Weightage 5 marks
• In class IX a student will do two projects of
  which one should be related to Disaster
  Management from the list specified.
• In class X a student will do any one project out
  of the list specified
• Some important points 9-15 pages only
  handwritten in neatly bound simple folder
  teachers report should be included. Keep the
  reports for inspection
• Scheme of evaluation split up of 5 marks
• Initiative, cooperation - 1 mark
• Content and research - 1 mark
• Creativity and originality - 1 mark
• Analysis of situation - 1 mark
• Viva or written test - 1 mark
• Circular No.02/04 dated 28.01.04, 06/04 dated
  11.02.04, 07/05 dated 04.02.05, 13/06 dated
  23.06.06

26
Some important points regarding Internal
Assessment in Social Science

• Internal Assessment in Social Science for 20
  marks already implemented in March, 2006
  examination for class X.
• Feedback suggests that some schools are not
  following the laid down guidelines seriously.
• Boosting of Internal Assessment marks will result
  in down scaling of the awarded marks.
• It may also lead to cancellation of internal
  marks and the result will be declared on the
  basis of external marks alone.
• Schools are advised to send five best projects to
  the Board.
• The topics for the project for classes IX and X
  2006-07 will be shortly sent to all schools.
• Circular No. 13/06 dated 23.06.06

27
Internal Evaluation in Mathematics

• Internal assessment in Maths began in class IX
  from 2005-06
• First class X Exam in this scheme will be in
  March, 2007.
• 80 marks for Board Exam for class X and 20 marks
  for internal assessment.
• Distribution of 20 marks
• Evaluation of skills - 10 marks
• Assessment of Record work - 05 marks
• Assessment through
• Summative and Formative tests - 05 marks

28
Internal Evaluation in Mathematics (contd...)

• How to Award Marks
• Step 1 Assessment of any two skills in Maths
  will be done at the end of class IX X
  independently by the school through a test in 1½
  hours. Should be conducted for groups of
  students, each group not exceeding 20 students.
  Marks out of 10 should be awarded following
  guidelines provided.
• Step 2 a record of at least 10 activities will
  be maintained by each student. This record
  will be assessed at the end of class IX and X for
  5 marks.
• Step 3 Class IX Work out weightage out of 5
  of the marks in Unit Test and cumulative test of
  first and second terms.
• Class X Work out average of final assessment
  of class IX and first term exam of class X for a
  weightage of 5 marks.
• 
  contd

29

Contd...

• Step 4 Add marks of skills (10 marks), Record
  work (05 marks) and summative and formative
  testing (05 marks) to arrive at marks for 20
• Board will send award list to be filled and
  returned by the last week of January, 2007 for
  class X restricting split up as up as shown
  above
• Detailed instruction in Circular No. 10/02.03.045
  
• Also Circular No. 14/06 dated 29.06.06

30
Restructuring Science Practical Work

• To strengthen practical work in Science and to
  produce positive correlation between theory and
  practical scores
• Salient Features
• First class X exam in this scheme March, 2007
• Theory 60 marks practical skills-40 marks
• Theory 2 hours and 30 minutes written Board
  Examination
• Separate written paper on Practical skills for 20
  marks duration one hour and 30 minutes

31
Restructuring Science Practical Work (contd)

• Paper will have multiple choice questions 20 of
  ½ mark each and 10 of 01 mark each.
• Exam on Practical Skills will be conducted soon
  after the theory exam on a separate date
• Internal Assessment in Science for 20 marks ( 15
  for skills 3 for record work and 2 for viva).
  Prescribed experiments for classes IX and X
  indicated in Secondary Curriculum Document of the
  Board.
• Detailed Guidelines in circular 19/25.3.2005
  and 15/06 dated 06.07.06
• Books published Assessment of Practical
  Skills in Science class IX and class X (two
  books)

32
Empowerment of Teachers

• New syllabus, new courses, new approach in
  pedagogy
• Extensive and continued training of teachers is
  required
• CBSE extends help for such teachers training
  courses
• Besides this step, the Board provides training
  to teachers in Disaster Management, Education in
  Life Skills and Mathematics Laboratory.
• It is necessary for the schools also to provide
  the teachers a thorough understanding of NCF 2005
  and the new NCERT syllabus

33
Empowerment of Heads of Institutions

• Heads of Institutions need both training and
  retraining
• Strategic leadership courses in collaboration
  with leading business schools in India
• Specific contextualized training courses are
  also so being arranged with help from NIEPA.
• Two such 5 day courses in October, 2006 and
  January, 2007 have been announced. Fee Rs. 8000/-
• Induction courses for first generation principals.

34
Students Enrichment Activities

• Some of the activities are
• Olympiad - Group Mathematics Olympiad
• - National Informatics Olympiad
• - Also National Olympiads in
  Physics, Chemistry and Biology
• National Science Exhibition
• Quiz CBSE Heritage India Quiz
• Essay contests on road safety and pollution
  control
• International Choir music contest
• Most of these activities are institutionalise
  and hence circulars are sent to schools as per
  the annual schedule.

35
CBSE National Sports Program

• One of the best organized sports programs of the
  country.
• Held in 14 disciplines every year. From this year
  the 15th discipline in Taekwondoo is being
  included.
• Nearly 4000 independent schools participate in
  this programme.
• Held at Regional and National Levels.
• Some of the records established by CBSE students
  equal and surpass the SGFI standards.
• The annual calendar for 2006-07 has already been
  sent to schools.

36
Incentives to High Achievers

• CBSE believes that it has a great social and
  national commitment to encourage talented and
  motivated students to pursue higher studies
  overcoming constraints like finance, social
  background etc. It has launched a series of
  Scholarships
• Merit scholarship for pursuing professional and
  non-medical/non-engineering undergraduate
  courses.
• Merit scholarships to single girl children from
  class XI onwards.
• Chacha Nehru Sports Scholarships for sports
  Talent.

37
Competition to Promote Innovation and Creativity

• National Competition for Technological Innovation
  and Traditional knowledge exclusively for school
  students.
• CBSE and National Innovation Foundation,
  Ahmedabad collaborate in this venture.
• In the 2005-06 competition more than 400 entries
  were received from school students.
• NIF is processing the best for patenting them.
• A CD containing these projects will be shortly
  available.
• The 2006-07 campaign for Young Inventors and
  Innovators is about to be launched.
• Schools will get a poster and details. Encourage
  students to participate.
• Circular No. 11/06 dated 07.07.06

38
Adolescence Education Programme

• National Adolescence Education Programme, a
  project of MHRD, supported by UNFPA has been
  launched in CBSE schools.
• Aim is to facilitate adolescents to understand
  their physical, biological and emotional changes
  and to equip them with life skills for
  responsible behaviour.
• A number of advocacy programmes and Master
  Trainer programmes are being conducted in
  different nodal centres.

39
The Sahodaya Movement

• CBSEs Sahodaya Movement involves nearly 130
  Sahodaya School Complexes across the country and
  abroad networking nearly 2500 schools.
• A philosophy of sharing and caring.
• Excellent platform for collaborative work and
  collective growth.
• Every year a national Sahodaya Conference is held
  on a specific theme. It is attended by nearly 300
  principals.
• The annual conference for 2006 is to be held at
  Hyderabad on 13th and 14th October.

40
Comprehensive School Health Programme

• The January-March Issue of CENBOSEC featured the
  theme of Comprehensive Health Policy for
  Schools
• Circular No. 09, dated 31.05.06 was also issued
  with detailed guidelines to schools.
• The circular suggests that schools can evolve a
  school Health Programme which can be initiated
  through Health Club.
• This club would focus on the overall well being
  comprising emotional, social, mental and physical
  health of a child.
• It would also act as an organizational forum for
  conducting a number of activities related to
  health and wellness.
• The circular gives a plethora of activities for
  students of different age groups.

41
Strengthening the educational system -Boards
views reiterated

• Students of primary classes need our best
  attention.
• We should make learning a joyous experience for
  the children.
• We can do it by following some simple procedures
  already suggested by the Board.
• No school bag for atleast classes I II. Bags
  can be left in the school itself.
• No homework for children of classes I II and
  Alternatives to Homework for classes III to V.
• Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation upto
  class V and extending it upto class VIII in a
  phased manner.
• Gradual withdrawal of pass-fail system.
• Classroom library to help children who come to
  school without books
• Greater importance and encouragement to learning
  of music, dance, art etc.
• Reducing the bag load by not prescribing
  excessive number of books
• Circular No. 06/08.02.03 and 07.06 dated 04.05.06

42
General

• Role of Principals in destressing students
• It is seen that students develop a high level of
  anxiety and stress during examinations.
• Reasons are many competition, parental peer
  pressure, improper and inadequate learning
  strategies etc.
• So students and parents need to be counselled.
• Role of principal in this task is crucial.
• It is suggested that principals should take a few
  classes for class X and class XII every week.
• To stay in touch, to give guidelines, to counsel
  and to boost students confidence.
• Circular No. 8/10.07.02

43
General

• Conducive School Environment
• Schools should provide the right ambience for
  learners to achieve their potential.
• It will not be possible in an environment of fear
  and distrust.
• So it is imperative that schools do not use
  corporal punishment.
• Teachers should understand the needs of children
  and create confidence through caring ways.
• Circular dated 20.07.2002

44
General

• Circulars through e-mail
• Board sends circulars to schools in different
  ways to ensure that they reach schools.
• by post
• By putting them on website www.cbse.nic.in
• By printing them in CENBOSEC (which is now being
  mailed individually to all schools)
• To strengthen communication CBSE has started mass
  e-mail service by which schools will
  automatically get circulars from CBSE website.
• Schools are requested to send their current
  e-mail address to the Board in the following
  format
• Schools full address-
• Tel No.-
• Pin Code-
• Affiliation No.-
• E-mail ID-
• Circular No. 04/05.02.04

45
General

• Curriculum Organization in Schools
• Board publishes secondary and sr. school
  curriculum every year
• Curriculum indicates syllabi, weightage given to
  different units, allocation of periods per unit
  etc.
• These guidelines are given to help schools plan
  their academic schedule for the whole year so
  that there is smooth and effective curriculum
  transaction leading to stress-free learning for
  students.
• Some unhealthy practices adopted by some schools
  have come to the notice of the Board.
• manipulation of class schedules timing
  especially for senior classes to facilitate
  coaching tuition for competitive exams.
• Rushing of teaching at the end of the academic
  year to finish the syllabus for revision.
• Such practices are not helpful for the holistic
  growth of learners.
• Heads of institutions are advised to follow the
  guidelines of the Board.
• Circular No. 14/10.03.04

46
General

• Safety in Schools
• Safety is vital in schools
• Board has stipulated certain conditions in
  Affiliation Byelaws for school safety.
• Schools should develop a proper safety plan
  taking the following into account
• 1. Fire Safety 2. Structural Safety 3.
  Earthquake Management 4. Stampede Prevention 5.
  Landslide Management 6. Safety from industrial
  pollution 6. Electrical Safety 7. Flood/ Cyclone
  Management 8. Electrical Safety 9. Safety from
  construction hazards 10. Safety in Playground 11.
  Water Safety 12. Laboratory Safety 13.
  Transport Management 14. Trauma Management 15.
  Safety of the Challenged
• Schools are advised to follow the guidelines of
  the Board vide Circular No. 28/26.07.04.

47
General

• Physical Facilities in Schools
• Attention of heads of institutions is invited to
  Rule No. 8 under Chapter II of Affiliation
  Byelaws pertaining to physical facilities
• Classroom should be of adequate size and minimum
  floor space should be 1 s.q.m. per student
• Certificates regarding safe drinking water, fire
  safety, sanitary conditions, water/fire safety
  should be obtained from concerned Municipal
  Authority and submitted to the Board every five
  years.
• Adequate facilities should be provided for
  recreation, physical education and other
  activities for social, cultural and physical
  development of students.
• Circular dated 06.09.04

48
False Claims of Private Publishers

• CBSE recommends only NCERT books in various
  subjects except in courses developed by the
  Board. But some private publishers are selling
  books, particularly Hindi edition of books saying
  that they are recommended by CBSE. Schools
  should not be swayed by such misleading claims.
• Circular No. 12/06 dated 22.06.06

49
Physical Education

• It has been brought to the notice of the Board
  that some schools do not adequately attend to
  effective transaction of the curriculum in
  Physical Education as an elective subject at
  senior secondary level. Schools should
• - employ a fully qualified PGT in the subject.
• - have atleast a 200 metres track with spaces
  for different games.
• Non compliance would attract the provisions of
  affiliation bye-laws.
• Circular No. 03/06 dated 01.02.06

50
The Future Paradigms

• Make the curriculum transaction experiential so
  that children can connect their learning with
  life outside.
• Provide a truly inclusive environment in schools
  to facilitate Learning to Learn with Different
  Abilities.
• Develop adequate support strategies to address
  the issue of Learning Disorders.
• In our preoccupation with the average and the
  disadvantaged, we should not neglect the gifted.
  Special enrichment packages under Curriculum
  Plus, model have to be developed and
  implemented.

51
The Future Paradigms (contd)

• We need a new mindset, a new thought process, a
  new paradigm of instructional leadership that can
  boldly raise questions such as
• Do we need homework for primary children?
• Why do we need Life Skills for students at upper
  primary level onwards?
• How do we strengthen our internal assessment
  system?
• What are the ways in which we can strengthen
  practical laboratory work?

52

• THANK YOU.