The Education Department has initiated a slew of measures to improve standards in government schools. Mana Vooru-Mana Badi, an educational drive in schools across the State launched on Monday envisages mobilising students and their parents to join the government schools.
The Department officials have been asked to kick off extensive campaign and explain to the people about the several advantages that have been added to schools in the government sector of late. This drive was preceded by Gnanadhara, a special drive to train and equip slow learners of class X to fare well in the Board exams. Then there are programmes such as Badi Utsavam, Malli Baidiki, Badi Baata and Badikosta under which cycles are given to girl students of class VIII and class IX.
While the officials are focussed on improving the infrastructure and bringing in the latest technology to the classroom to help the students keep pace with the changing times, the behavioural conduct of the teachers is an emerging challenge that needs to be addressed effectively. “A teacher should lead by example. His/her role entails moulding the student into a responsible citizen. We have had unfortunate cases of teachers involved in abuse of children, attending school after consuming alcohol and even caught sleeping in the classroom, leading to suspensions. We want the teaching community to behave responsibly. Any dereliction of duty or misconduct will not be tolerated,” said Krishna District Education Officer M.V. Rajya Lakshmi.
The DEO has released a set of ‘conduct’ rules warning teachers against engaging in ‘finance’ business (lending money on interest), organising ‘chit’ funds, consuming alcohol in duty hours, operating private schools, hobnobbing with political leaders and resorting to sexual abuse of women. “Release of the conduct rules is the first step. A few erring teachers are bringing disrepute to the noble profession of teaching. Those failing to adhere to the rule book will face stringent action,” she warned.
The ‘M’ mantra
In the wake of the fresh academic year, the Department officials are chalking out a comprehensive academic plan that lays stress on commitment and efficiency on the part of teachers.
“The accent will be on four ‘M’s- Effective monitoring, holding regular meetings, developing innovative models and mentoring of teachers,” she explained.