For USE, schools to work longer

CHENNAI/COIMBATORE: The School Education Department has decided to permit schools to extend the working time by up to 35 minutes daily to facilitate completing of the Uniform System of Education (USE) portions for classes VI to XII this academic year. Effectually, this works out to an additional period in the class.In a circular to the Chief Education Officers (CEO) of all educational districts in the State, the Directorate of School Education has advised them to instruct the schools accordingly.“We have received an instruction from the Joint Director of School Education asking us to consult HMs and school managements on the best way to add 35 minutes to the schedule,” said Nagarajan Murugesan, Chief Education Officer of Chennai District. “School principals can extend the working time for classes VI to XII up to 35 minutes daily, depending on their individual needs. Besides, schools shall have the liberty of functioning on two Saturdays every month,” S Anandhi, Kovai Chief Education Officer, told Express.The academic year had commenced late due to a legal wrangle over USE and the consequent delay in distributing new textbooks. “The decision was taken after having discussions with headmasters,” a School Education Department official explained. Matric schools have already extended the working day by a hour. “We adopted it as soon as the SC order was passed,” said K Rajasekaran, president of the Federation of Matriculation Schools’ Associations.