We adopted the 21 schools under the second cluster in Kanakapura in Oct 06, with support from the Seattle and Yale Chapters of Asha. I have been covering our visit to these schools in some detail in these columns. You would have observed that one of the recurring problems as identified by the schools was the acute shortage of teachers. I am glad to report that during the last two months, as many as 27 teachers have been brought in by 21 schools to bridge the gap. I am sure that this induction will do a world of good to these schools.
It may interest you to know that the average honorarium works out to Rs 500 (US$ 12) per month! In practice, the entire process of induction is carried out by the HM and the School Committee from within the community resources; we do not play any role in this step other than providing the funds- and even this as a monthly package which is supposed to be used optimally based on priorities.
A comment on the staff induction by the State is in order at this stage. The last public announcement on this subject made on 13th Dec 06 promises recruitment of 9000 plus additional teachers - a welcome and overdue step; and zero shortage in primary schools. There are however several downsides to the picture which cannot be ignored.
The process of recruitment is such that it takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months, before these teachers can be placed in position.
Even by official statements, a large number of teachers are now working in 'non-teaching' positions- some even without work and awaiting 'counseling'
The shortage of teachers as recognized by the State is on the basis of one per 40 kids in the school. Here is where the problem lies: a school with 70 kids in five grades may get just one and at the best two. Many of our schools have numbers like 120 kids in 7 Grades. Here the situation gets even worse; with specialized attention and teaching skills needed in Grades 5 to 7, we will be having 3 teachers to cater to Grades 1 to 7! Macro level planning without sufficient attention to detail will always have these shortfalls. This is not to reduce the significance of the major initiative, that the State has taken.
The State has been taking recently several major steps to curb the 'transfer industry' and divert staff to rural schools. The success of these steps will however always be in doubt as long as the recruitment is centralized. On the positive side, we seem to be getting some where; and that is good news.
It may interest you to know that the average honorarium works out to Rs 500 (US$ 12) per month! In practice, the entire process of induction is carried out by the HM and the School Committee from within the community resources; we do not play any role in this step other than providing the funds- and even this as a monthly package which is supposed to be used optimally based on priorities.
A comment on the staff induction by the State is in order at this stage. The last public announcement on this subject made on 13th Dec 06 promises recruitment of 9000 plus additional teachers - a welcome and overdue step; and zero shortage in primary schools. There are however several downsides to the picture which cannot be ignored.
The process of recruitment is such that it takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months, before these teachers can be placed in position.
Even by official statements, a large number of teachers are now working in 'non-teaching' positions- some even without work and awaiting 'counseling'
The shortage of teachers as recognized by the State is on the basis of one per 40 kids in the school. Here is where the problem lies: a school with 70 kids in five grades may get just one and at the best two. Many of our schools have numbers like 120 kids in 7 Grades. Here the situation gets even worse; with specialized attention and teaching skills needed in Grades 5 to 7, we will be having 3 teachers to cater to Grades 1 to 7! Macro level planning without sufficient attention to detail will always have these shortfalls. This is not to reduce the significance of the major initiative, that the State has taken.
The State has been taking recently several major steps to curb the 'transfer industry' and divert staff to rural schools. The success of these steps will however always be in doubt as long as the recruitment is centralized. On the positive side, we seem to be getting some where; and that is good news.
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