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The education centres were shut down in March, more than six months ago, due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. But with staggered unlocking underway, schools across the country are reopening in a phased manner, for classes 9 to 12.
In some states, Kendriya Vidyalaya's (KVs) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya's (JNVs) will reopen from Monday, 2 November.
Here are the new rules and what will change for students. Read on.
In which states are KVs and JNVs reopening?
KVs and NJVs in states like Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Karnataka are likely to reopen schools from 2 November, in a phased manner, as they have already reopened other schools for Classes 9-12.
However, some states which are the worst-hit by coronavirus like Delhi and Maharashtra have announced that schools will not reopen until further orders. In Tamil Nadu, schools have been allowed to reopen in a phased manner from 16 November.
Didn’t Centre allow reopening of school from 21 September? What’s new about this?
In its 'Unlock 4' guidelines, Centre allowed the reopening of schools for students of Classes 9-12. However, the government said that regular classes cannot be held and that students can meet their teachers in staggered groups, voluntarily and with the written permission of the parents.
However, in the latest guidelines, the Education Ministry has said that the timing and manner of reopening to individual states.
Will students from different states get back to school at different times?
Yes, most definitely. It depends on when their state government decides to reopen and how they decide to resume schools.
What happens if my state decides to reopen schools but I am not comfortable sending my kid?
The Centre has asserted that students should not be forced to attend classes, and those who choose to not go should be able to attend lectures online.
What about tests and assessments?
Schools should not conduct assessments for at least two-three weeks after reopening. Proper pen-and-paper tests will be discouraged to "ensure emotional well-being of students," the guidelines said.
“Assessments in the form of role plays, choreography, class quiz, puzzles and games, brochure designing, presentations, journals, portfolios, etc, may be preferred over routine pen-paper testing,” the ministry said.
What about schools in containment zones & those used as quarantine centres?
What’s allowed within school premises?
How to ensure physical distancing is followed within class rooms?
What are the other generic precautions that need to be followed?
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