The just published results of the Junior School Certificate (JSC) and primary terminal examinations have been poorer by all counts. If lower pass rates for all education boards, with Comilla Board hitting an abysmally low point at 62.83 per cent, is a cause for serious concern, a sharp drop in the number of the highest grade achievers only accentuates the worry. Similarly, the rise in the number of educational institutions with zero pass and the fall in the number of schools with cent per cent pass paint a gloomier picture of the state of education at these early stages of education. Overall, a drop of 9.41 per cent from 93.06 to 83.65 in the pass rate of the JSC and equivalent examinations within a year is least expected. As for the primary ending and equivalent exams, the fall in pass has not been drastic like that of the JSC but still the drop in pass rate from 98.51 per cent to 95.18 is not negligible either.
Should the results of these two lower tiers of education be considered a reversal? To recall the results of both secondary and higher secondary results, the similarity is striking. An explanation for reversals of those exams' results was put forth to the effect that the answer scripts were checked meticulously unlike in the past when familiarity of the candidate with the topic would have qualified the boy or girl for marks. This time, the education minister claimed that the authorities did not hide anything. Whatever the results have been has seen the light of the day. By this he perhaps refers to intervention -- one that is politically motivated. Well, if this time no such extraneous interference were there, earlier there had been. At least this is the oblique suggestion.
Why Comilla Board fared so poorly in the JSC examinations, however, demands a convincing explanation. The SSC results of that board also marked a sharp fall. What, though, escapes most people's notice is the poorer results notwithstanding the question leaks reported during the holding of the examinations. Was it because parents and students in rural areas were at a disadvantage to collect such leaked question papers? If they failed to procure question papers, it surely was a blessing in disguise. They performed to their potential under the existing circumstances. Sure enough, there is a need for changing the system of exam in order to create equal opportunities for all but not by allowing question paper leak. It has to be in the form of infrastructure development, recruitment of quality teachers and supply of educational implements in keeping with the digitisation of educational programmes.
Finally, it is better to admit that these two exams at the lower tiers are unnecessary. The committee formed for drafting a national education policy did not suggest for a public exam for class VIII. Even the public examination for the students of class V can be dispensed with if education at this level is put in the right perspective. Teachers at this level must be returned the respect, dignity and independence they deserve. There is no scope for biased evaluation of answer scripts if teachers are qualified enough and there is no interference from outside. It cannot be done overnight but the process should begin in right earnest for restoring the lost educational ambience that was once a hallmark of education in this part of the world.