From preparing for exams to learning life skills like time management and financial literacy, the report cards of students from classes 9 to 12 are set to undergo significant changes. This shift comes with the introduction of the ‘Holistic Progress Card (HPC)’, recently launched by PARAKH under NCERT for secondary school students.
While not yet implemented for the 2024-25 academic session, teachers will soon receive training on the HPC’s adoption. States have the flexibility to either adopt the NCERT’s version or customize it to suit local needs.
The HPCs aim to align school evaluations with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE), focusing on diverse skills and competencies beyond traditional exams. According to Indrani Bhaduri, head of PARAKH, these cards emphasize the learner’s role as a researcher and will influence Board exam results for classes 10 and 12.
Unlike internal marks, which are part of Board evaluations, the HPC reflects a student’s academic journey, enhancing Board results by integrating these insights. PARAKH has proposed methods to the Education Ministry for incorporating HPC elements into Board assessments.
Developed in consultation with state-level SCERTs and school boards, the secondary level HPC aims to standardize evaluations across different educational boards. Initially designed for foundational, preparatory, and middle stages, the HPC for classes 9 to 12 was recently introduced.
The report card includes sections where students assess themselves on skills like time management and future plans post-school. Students outline their aspirations, whether aiming for college, vocational training, or professional institutes, and identify strengths, challenges, and areas needing improvement with input from parents, teachers, and peers.
The HPC also features an ‘accomplishments inventory’ tracking students’ progress in academic and life skills, such as independent research, critical thinking, financial literacy, and stress management. It includes teacher assessments from group projects, student reflections, and peer feedback.
Bhaduri stresses that while the HPC promotes independent learning, teachers play a crucial role in guiding students. They must design meaningful activities like projects and research to develop essential competencies at the secondary level.