PNS | Vijayawada
In a bid to enhance academic activities in schools and improve learning outcomes, the Department of School Education – Samagra Shiksha, SCERT, organised a one-day workshop with the theme ‘Improving Academic Activities in Schools for Better Learning Outcomes with All Stakeholders.’
The workshop, held at a hotel in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, saw the participation of various education stakeholders, including State Chief Secretary, KS Jawahar Reddy, Chief Secretary to the Government, RJDs, DEOs, APCs, national and state best teachers, representatives of various education-related organizations, educationists, subject teachers, and more.
Addressing the gathering, Jawahar Reddy, who comes from a family of educators, emphasised the significance of teachers engaging with parents to foster stronger academic environments in schools. He urged teachers to actively collaborate with parents in villages and participate in community development efforts. Recognising the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of teachers, he underscored their crucial role in building a better society.
During the workshop, Jawahar Reddy also highlighted the ‘Videshi Vidya Deevena’ scheme, which facilitates students’ opportunities to study in prestigious international institutes. He expressed his belief that empowering students through such educational schemes can lead to remarkable achievements. The Chief Secretary also stressed the importance of teacher unions in addressing professional issues and strengthening the education system. He suggested the formation of subject-wise teachers’ associations (e.g., for mathematics, science, languages) to provide valuable suggestions and guidance for students, thereby enhancing their understanding of respective subjects.
Drawing attention to a pressing concern, the CS emphasised the responsibility of enrolling out-of-school children and identified the need to address the reasons behind their absence. He encouraged teachers to modify their attitudes and proactively reach out to parents to ensure these children receive the education they deserve. Dr. KS Jawahar Reddy expressed his support for innovative teaching methods such as the Montessori approach, which allows children to learn freely with both physical and mental readiness.
The Principal Secretary of the School Education Department, Praveen Prakash, commended Andhra Pradesh for its leadership in education reforms, including the appointment of subject teachers from class three and the introduction of bilingual textbooks.
S. Suresh Kumar, the School Education Commissioner, acknowledged Andhra Pradesh’s pioneering efforts in digital initiatives, good governance, and transparency. He highlighted the government’s unwavering support in providing various facilities and assistance for education, such as distributing tablets to students and teachers and installing interactive plot panels and smart TVs in classrooms.
Nidhi Meena, the Director of the midday meal scheme, emphasised the importance of providing nutritious meals to children as per the menu and urged schools to efficiently register and utilise the midday meal scheme app.
