5.7.2 THE NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY1998-2010

2. SECONDARY EDUCATION

i. The State of Secondary Education

Secondary education (IX-XII) is an important sub-sector of the entire educational system. It provides the middle level work force for the economy as well as acts as a feeder for higher level education. The policy makers had pointed out some weaknesses in secondary education, such as:

• Secondary education had not attracted attention in terms of efforts arid investment in the past.
• There had been unplanned expansion in secondary education and irrational distribution of schools.
• The provision of science and mathematics teachers had not been considered seriously.
• The introduction of technical and vocational education at secondary level remained a controversial issue.
• Physical facilities and textbooks were inadequate.

ii. Programmes laid down in policy for improvement of secondary education:

The following programmes were embodied in the policy for the achievement of the objectives of secondary education in the country?

• Setting up one Model Secondary School initially at each district level,
• Introduction of a definite vocation or career at secondary level.
• Revision of curricula for secondary and higher secondary level would be initiated.
• Multiple textbooks would be introduced at secondary school level.
• A comprehensive in-service and pre-service teacher training programme would be launched in the area of assessment and evaluation for the improvement of public examinations.
• Project method of teaching would be initiated at secondary level.
• Education Service Commission would be established for recruitment of teachers.
• Salary structures of teachers would be based on qualification.
• Education Card would be provided to needy students.