News
Marking answer scripts in fits and starts
View(s):By Senuka Jayakody
Marking of GCE Advanced Level answer scripts can be completed by end June, the commissioner general of the Department of Examinations, Amith Jayasundara told the Sunday Times.
But, he said exact “dates cannot be announced’’ because plans are in disarray.
After marking is completed, practical exams and other related activities can be done.
He said “more than 15,000” have applied, but there are not enough examiners for combined mathematics and physics. “These examiners do not apply because the amount is inadequate. They can earn Rs. 3,000 or Rs. 4,000 offering tuition.’’
Marking of answer scripts on Hindi and Western music has been completed and marking of five other subjects are nearing completion. Marking of 12 more subjects began on Thursday.
However, Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) president, Prof. Shyama Banneheka, said “only around 10% of the total subjects’’ are being marked, and that too, “only the subjects where there are few candidates”. Marking of important subjects such as combined mathematics and biology has not begun. “It would have been over in two weeks if it started in full scale when we announced our decision to participate in the process,’’ he said, accusing the Government of “hiding the facts”. “If they were prepared and were waiting for the university lecturers to return, then the process would be over by now, but it is not the case.’’
All Island Teachers Union Chairman Ven. Yalwela Panyasekara Thera, said teachers have been asked to start marking answer scripts considering that childrens’ entrance to higher education institutes is being delayed.
Ven. Panyasekara said most problems have been solved, with the allowance per paper increased from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2,900, and an advance being paid.
Vegetables washed away by rains at the Thotalanga market. Pic by Nilan Mlaigaspe
“There are some defects in public administration, such as the advance being paid only from this week onward,’’ Ven. Panyasekara said. The thera said teachers engaging in tuition classes is “a problem of the system”.
National Principals Union secretary Mohan Weerasinghe, said teachers have not applied because the allowance was not paid. “Principals had prepared the examination halls with their personal money which has not been paid.’’
Mr. Weerasinghe said that teachers are willing but there are salary and costs of living issues. Teachers “receive only one-third of a normal salary, of which only one-third is paid.
Incelement weather in Hatton. Pic by H.M. Sudath Hewa
Colombo teachers can apply, but a teacher from Jaffna or Ampara will have to spend their own money to mark papers,” he said.
The president of the All Island Professional Lecturers Association (APLA), Ravindra Bandara criticised teachers who carry on tuition classes instead of marking answer scripts. He also criticised the Govt. for not paying allowances.
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