Illiterate Parents, Innocent Children and Indifferent Teachers

The declaration of the results of the HSLC Exam.-2013 once again ignites the usual debate on the analysis of the poor performance of Govt. Schools in Nagaland. Our Hon’ble Chief Minister and many other people’s representatives have already expressed their anguish over the state of affairs of the Govt. schools. Many responsible individuals and organizations have been airing their concerns and suggesting remedial measures for the improvement of the plight of Govt. schools. In fact, this is a complex issue and different people have been analyzing the causes from different angles. But the objective of all the writers is the same; everyone wants to witness the progress the Govt. school children. 

Most of the writers have been free from prejudices in their approach but we could sense the behavior of defense mechanism in the write ups few of them. Of course it is quite natural; the habit of rationalizing failure is found in almost every person.  But I feel sad that many have shifted the blame on the underprivileged, uneducated parents and the innocent children. It is the easiest thing for us because we are sure that these helpless people will never raise their voice against us. The analysis made by the All Nagaland School Teachers Association in this regard is comprehensive and I honestly agree with most of their observations. But unfortunately their report is also not free from the above stated defect.

Many writers have cited the poor quality / background of students as one of the reason for the poor results. Some writers have even stated that most of the students in Govt. schools are domestic helps who don’t get enough time to devote to studies. I do agree that most of the Government school students belong to the poorer sections of society and from rural backgrounds, whose parents are mostly illiterate and could not ensure to provide proper study hours to their children. But let us NOT forget that we are given a secured Govt. job and paid a handsome salary by the Govt. for bringing changes in the life of these poor children.

We should remember that the Govt. schools are NOT criticised for failing to produce qualitative results. All the society expects from us at this juncture is only a quantitative result. In simple words, we are not asked to produce rank holders now. All we are asked is to ensure at least a reasonable pass % with the minimum pass marks. I have attended few training programmes conducted by the NCERT and SCERT on the New Curriculum Framework and were fortunate to be trained by some of the best Academicians of our country. I could confidently say that a student could easily secure the minimum pass marks even if he/she could not devote time for home study. All a child needs is sincere & systematic teaching at the school. Another important fact is that whatever may be the environment at home, a student would definitely find time to study if he/she is inspired by the teacher. Unfortunately, our greatest shortcoming is that many of the teachers fail to inspire their students.

Many writers have also blamed the Non-Detention policy under the RTE act for the poor performance of Govt. schools. Unfortunately, the essence of the above policy has been misconceived by many authorities and teachers. The intention of the Non –detention policy is to ensure the completion of Elementary School Education of every child by the tireless and dedicated efforts of the teachers through Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation. But in reality it has been taken granted that children should be promoted till class 9 without bothering to provide them the knowledge and skills necessary for continuing further studies at the upper secondary stage. It seems that we have a Right Policy at a Wrong Place.

Please note that I am not blaming the teachers alone for the shortcomings described above. It is the whole system which is to be blamed. But, for a child the teacher is the main link between his life and the world outside. So, the responsibility of teachers is much more than anybody else. The remedial measures suggested by ANSTA are comprehensive and all we need to do is rededicate our self to the cause of education and serve God through the service of mankind.