Give kids a break, principals tell parents

Recently, Sangita Shrivastava, principal of Kandivali Education Society’s SVP School, had to confront 50 students who refused to study for the school tests, along with their parents.

It emerged that the students were already appearing for multiple coaching class tests.

“Students get confused with too many tests and end up giving importance to the coaching class tests and not the regular school or college tests,” said Shrivastava.

The school has now started a compulsory remedial session for Class 9 students wherein they will be coached by teachers after school hours, all free of cost.

“Parents appreciate the move,” said Shrivastava. “Multiple tests at coaching classes and school tests create a hectic schedule for students that affect their health and concentration levels.”

Stressing the need for parents to step up, CR Pathak, principal of HVB Academy in Churchgate, said, “Parents pay large amounts on coaching classes or tutors without finding out if these people are truly capable teachers. Even college students are found to coach schoolchildren these days for extra pocket money.”