Holistic Progress Card (HPC)

Source-This post on Holistic Progress Card (HPC) is based on the article “In new school report card, role of parents, classmates, self-evaluation” published in “The Indian Express” on 5th March 2024.

Why in the News?

PARAKH, a standard-setting body under NCERT, has introduced a new Holistic Progress Card (HPC). HPC includes feedback from parents, peers, and self-assessment by students to monitor their holistic development regularly.

What are the key features of the Holistic Progress Card (HPC)?

Objective– Traditionally, schools focused on year-end exams, with teachers solely responsible for assessment. The HPC, aligning with National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) guidelines, aims for a learner-centered evaluation.

Key features:

1. Classes involved-The HPC was created for the foundational stage (Classes 1 and 2), preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5), and middle stage (Classes 6 to 8). Efforts are currently underway to develop a similar framework for the secondary stage.

2. Parameters of evaluation– At every stage, besides academics, students are evaluated on self-awareness, relationships, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and creativity. After each activity, students reflect on their progress by circling statements like “I learned something new,” “I expressed creativity,” or “I helped others.”

3. Method of Evaluation:

a. Self assessment- Self assessment is included in the HPC for all students from Class 1 to Class 8. In middle school (Classes 6 to 8), students are prompted to set academic and personal goals with specific timelines at the start of the year.

The middle stage HPC also involves an “ambition card” where students list their goals for the year and areas for improvement, as well as the skills and habits needed to achieve them.

b. Parents feedback-The HPC will connect home and school by involving parents in their child’s learning. Parents will provide feedback on homework completion, classroom engagement, and the child’s ability to balance screen time with extracurricular activities at home.

c. Peer evaluation– The new assessment method also values peer evaluation. After each classroom activity, students must indicate whether their classmates effectively participated in learning and engagement.

Note– PARAKH urged all States to implement the HPC by adjusting it to suit their specific needs. States can also translate the HPC into regional languages as needed.

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