In the news

The traditional report cards of students are undergoing a transformation with the introduction of the Holistic Progress Card (HPC) by the National Council for Educational and Research Training (NCERT).
This innovative approach aims to evaluate not just academic performance but also various aspects of a child’s holistic development.

What is the Holistic Progress Card (HPC)?

360-Degree Evaluation: Departing from the conventional marks or grades-based assessment, the HPC adopts a comprehensive evaluation approach.
Student-Centric Assessment: Students are actively engaged in the assessment process through class activities, allowing them to demonstrate diverse skills and competencies.
Peer and Self-Assessment: Students participate in evaluating their own and their classmates’ performance, fostering self-awareness and peer collaboration.

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.
Parameters of Evaluation: Besides academics, students are evaluated on self-awareness, relationships, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and creativity. Students reflect on their progress after each activity by circling statements like “I learned something new,” “I expressed creativity,” or “I helped others.”
Method of Evaluation:
1. Self-Assessment: Included in the HPC for all students from Class 1 to Class 8. In middle school (Classes 6 to 8), students 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, along with the skills and habits needed to achieve them.
2. Parental Involvement: Parents provide feedback on homework completion, classroom engagement, and the child’s ability to balance screen time with extracurricular activities at home, thus connecting home and school.
3. Peer Evaluation: Students evaluate their classmates’ participation in learning and engagement after each classroom activity.

Rollout across States: The HPC has been sent to all states and Union Territories, with several already adopting it for Classes 1 to 8.
Regional Customization: States have the flexibility to modify the HPC to suit their regional requirements while adhering to the overarching principles.

Focus on Higher-Order Skills: The shift from rote memorization to higher-order skills evaluation aligns with the objectives of NEP 2020 and NCF SE.
Promotion of Holistic Development: The HPC aims to communicate students’ strengths and areas of improvement, fostering self-esteem and self-awareness.

Comprehensive Evaluation: The HPC promotes a holistic assessment approach, encompassing academic achievements and critical skill development.
Shift to Formative Assessment: By emphasizing formative assessment, the HPC encourages competency-based evaluation and continuous improvement.
Insights for Teachers and Parents: Teachers and parents gain valuable insights into each student’s learning journey, enabling personalized support and guidance.

The introduction of the Holistic Progress Card marks a significant step towards redefining student assessment in India.
By prioritizing holistic development and competency-based evaluation, the HPC aims to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving world.