LARKANA, Sept 23: Publication of two mathematics textbooks for class IX and X by the Sindh Text Book Board against the backdrop of composite examinations idea floated by the federal education minister and opposed by the Sindh government have caused confusion among students.

One of the books, published with publisher code No: 93 in July 2006 contains 14 chapters while another book that had recently hit the stalls, is published in August 2007 for same classes contains nine chapters.

A single mathematics book for classes IX and X was published when composite examinations were planned to be conducted throughout the country.

While Punjab went ahead with the idea, Sindh opposed it, sources said and added that the order for publishing this book was placed in the light of holding composite examinations.

Although Sindh disagreed with the idea, but the order to publish the textbook was placed much earlier, the sources said.

The examinations are being conducted from the old textbook of mathematics published in July 2006 with 14 chapters, Larkana Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education sources said.

The question is when there are no composite examinations in Sindh why this textbook had been published and released into the market.

When this correspondent contacted the controller of examination of the BISE, Larkana, he said it was not his concern as a separate section of the board deals with it. The section sets papers in accordance with the approved and notified textbook, the controller said.

When the two text books were placed before an officer of the section and asked to guide that which textbook should the students read, he said it should be confirmed from the secretary of the board.

When the controller was asked whether any notification about the latest version of the textbook for classes IX and X part-II was issued, he replied in negative and same was the answer of the person belonging to the question paper section.

When this correspondent contacted the secretary of the BISE, he said “we don’t have any notification about the latest book of mathematics for classes IX and X part-II published by the Sindh Textbook Board, Jamshoro”.

The textbook of mathematics published in August 2007 was available in book stores in Larkana while the text book published in July 2006 was almost out of stock.

The BISE would conduct the ensuing examinations on the basis of old book for it had not received any kind of instructions or notifications regarding new book, the secretary said.

When the BISE would conduct examination from the old book then why the Sindh Textbook Board had marketed the new text book of Mathematics for classes IX and X part-II, questioned a confused teacher.

The teachers are also confused over the situation as to which book should be taught. The textbook of mathematics for classes IX and X, which the BISE Larkana would follow in setting annual examination papers, was not available in the market while new book had been stuffed in the market without issuing any notification by the concerned department.

To avoid future confusion, the Sindh government’s education department should better issue a notification as to which book would be taught in schools, the BISE officials and a number of teachers contacted said.

If old text book of mathematic stands approved, then Sindh Textbook Board should make necessary arrangement for the availability of old textbook of mathematics published in July 2006.