Plans to improve SSLC results through 'Mission plus 95'

‘Mission 95 Plus,’ an initiative of Puttur Block Education Officer (BEO) G S Shashidhar started three years ago to increase the pass percentage in SSLC examinations is all set to get recognition at the national-level.

The BEO has been invited to present a paper on innovative practices in schools at a national-level workshop organised by National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) of MHRD, on March 5 and 6. This will help in getting the ‘Mission 95 Plus’ a national recognition, Shashidhar told DH. The initiative has been helping in getting better results in the region.

“Three years ago, out of nearly 5,000 students from Puttur taluk who wrote the SSLC examination, 1,323 students failed. In 2016, out of more than 5,100 students wrote the examination, the number of students who failed has come down to 570. Our aim is to bring the students who fail in the examination to a single digit,” Shashidhar said.

Night classes

Special classes are being conducted for students scoring less than 30 after the class hours. In addition, night classes are conducted in seven schools—Government High School, Uppalige, Sarvodaya High School, Sullia Padavu, Ramakunjeshwara School, Uppinangady Government Junior College. “We are focusing on students who find it difficult in grasping the subjects,” he said.

For the first time in Karnataka, Puttur taluk panchayat president Bhavani Chidanand and Standing Committee on Social Jutsice president Mukund convened a meeting for all the Puttur taluk panchayat members to impress upon them to visit the houses of students writing SSLC examination under ‘Vidyarthi Mane Mana Beti’ programme as a part of ‘Mission 95 Plus’ to motivate them to excel in their studies.

With this, elected representatives have also joined hands with the Education department in improving the SSLC results. On the other hand, zilla panchayat Standing Committee on Health and Education president Shahul Hameed too motivated the students at a one-day programme called ‘Sanchalana’ held recently. He has been trying to motivate students as well as parents across the district.

Residential camp

In addition, this year, the BEO has decided to hold residential camp for students who scored between 0-30 marks in the recently concluded SSLC preparatory exams.

Shashidhar said, “This year, we have decided to launch the programme ‘Disha-Born to Win,’ under the existing ‘Mission 95 Plus’ at Kombettu Junior College where 330 students will be taking SSLC examinations, which is highest in Puttur from a single school. Out of 330 students, around 120 students are weak in their studies.”

Through the camp, we want them to score at least 35 to 40 marks in each subject. The students who are academically weak are divided into four groups, depending on their marks viz 0-10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-40. Efforts would be made to ensure that the students who are in the bracket of 20-40 marks pass in the exam.

Though initially it was decided to hold such camps in all the four education hoblis —Uppinangady, Kabaka, Puttur and Savanur, it was later decided to implement it in one school and later extend it to other schools from next academic year. The camp will commence in the school from March 15.

“The camp will be for boys alone and girl students will be taught only during the day. Food will be provided under the Akshara Dasoha scheme at the residential camp. It is a well-planned programme which includes Yoga as well,” said the BEO.

The SSLC exams will commence from March 30 this year and from Puttur 5,129 students are expected to appear for the exam.

Shahul Hameed said, “Dakshina Kannada district used to top the state when it came to SSLC exams in the past. However, over the period of time, there was a drop in the position.

“Along with students, we need to sensitise and motivate the parents on the importance of SSLC examinations.”