The Skills Education Programme Leaves Teachers Perplexed

the school education department has introduced a skills education programme aimed at improving the academic performance of slow-learning students. in the first phase, the programme has been rolled out for students studying in classes 6, 7 and 8. based on their marks, students are classified as skilled or less skilled.even if a student secures high marks in most subjects but scores low in just one subject, the student is placed in the less skilled category. students with higher scores continue with the regular syllabus, while those with lower scores are given separate training using special workbooks. textbooks are not used to teach these students.consequently, students studying in the same classroom are divided into two groups for instruction. the first-term examination was conducted following this pattern. even when a skilled student performs well, they are not allowed to move to the next level. they must continue at the same skill level until february. training under this programme is limited to only three subjects — tamil, english and mathematics.insivaganga district, following instructions from higher authorities, examinations are conducted in a manner similar to coaching centres that prepare students for competitive examinations. this has created confusion among both students and teachers.parents are also uncertain about their children's education, questioning how skilled students will manage in the next class without exposure to the regular syllabus. teachers are finding it difficult to handle two parallel classes at the same time and are further burdened with conducting weekly tests for skilled students and uploading marks through google forms.students placed under the skills category, even after scoring well in assessments, are unable to return to the regular syllabus. they have urged the school education department to withdraw the skills education programme and instead implement a clear and well-defined system that strengthens students' skills alongside the regular curriculum.