In Bihar, monthly parent-teacher meetings start at govt schools: What Day 1 was like

Indian Express

4 days ago

Encouraging parents to be more involved in students' academics, enhancing educational outcomes and promoting an 'inclusive' academic engagement similar to private institutions – that's what the Bihar government aims to do with its monthly Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM), the first of which was held across all government schools in the state Saturday.
Themed 'Padhenge, Badhenge aur Sikhenge Hum (We will study, grow and learn)', the PTMs were held after Additional Chief Secretary of Education Department S Siddharth wrote to principals and in-charge teachers in government schools and came just ahead of summer vacation in the state.
According to Khusbu Kumari, an English teacher at Middle School Kurma in Banka district, the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss students' progress and strategies for productive use of the vacation period with parents.
'We informed parents about textbooks, workbooks, diaries, and teaching materials provided at enrolment, and advised them on maintaining these resources properly. We encouraged parents to ensure that students revise the syllabus taught from April 1 to May 31 during the summer break,' she said.
The education department also promoted the concept of 'Har Ghar Ek Pathshala (Every Home a School)' by encouraging parents to create dedicated study spaces at home and familiarise themselves with important guidelines printed in textbooks related to discipline, cleanliness, and civic sense.
'Many parents, though not literate, actively participated in today's PTM and sought ways to support their children's education. We advised these parents to help their children by establishing daily routines and monitoring study habits, even if they cannot assist academically. We encouraged the parents to engage with their wards after work hours, discussing their day and study progress and to ensure the use of notebooks for revision,' Khusbu said.
Schools were also instructed to use Bihar SCERT resources on the state government's 'E-Shikshakosh' website to support homework completion, Kumari said, adding that students lacking textbooks or workbooks also received them promptly through coordination with the Block Education Officer.
'Some students came to school without proper notebooks, uniforms, sometimes even without bathing. We informed the parents and students about the importance of basic hygiene, social skills and urged them to address these aspects to help develop well-rounded personalities,' she said.