BMC schools to conduct second baseline test in last week of July

Mumbai schools are gearing up to conduct the second baseline test for classes I through VIII, for first language and math. The debut baseline test was successfully conducted across Maharashtra state from September 14 to October 7, 2015. The baseline tests have been instituted by the education department to check whether the students have learnt the concepts taught in the previous year.

The Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training (MSCERT) has already sent a circular to the education departments of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and North, South and West zone, to conduct the baseline test in July last week.

Uday Nare, a teacher at Andheri-based Hansraj Morarji Public School, said, "It is good that the examination is being conducted early this year. Teachers are wondering whether the question paper will be sent to the school in hand or online. We have also heard that from next year, the state board is thinking of including class IX students for the baseline test, which is a great idea."

Prashant Redij, spokesperson of the Maharashtra Principals Association, said, "We are happy that this year, the baseline test is being conducted at the right time. Usually, unit tests are held in schools at this time. I feel schools should convey the message to parents that they need not worry about this test. It has been found that students perform well in this test."

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Last year being the first iteration of the baseline exam, there were certain teething problems including question papers reaching the venues at different times leading to a delay in the exams. One can’t help but wonder about the exact reason for conducting these baseline exams. Don’t the schools conduct final exams for the same purpose – to check if the students have learnt and retained the concepts taught during the year?