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CONTENTSNovember 2017 | Volume 11 | Issue 06 | Ɂ540MENTOR THOUGHTS 175 Inside the mind of a leaderSultan Speaks -Ms. Nishi Misra, Scindia Kanya VidyalayaRestoring safe school:From reactive to beingproactive 14 Creating a Safe School Environment33Safe Schools: The Need of the Hour Curbing violence and bullying in schoolsSchool safety- a fundamental concern SCHOOL LEADERSHIP34 23Implementing Change in Schools Legal Protection for SchoolsDesigning a structured process to innovation Providing a protective frameworkSCHOOL PEDAGOGY 26 School Council and Safety6Mainstreaming Gender Studies in Demarcating responsibilities for safe governanceTeacher Education SCHOOL INNOVATIONA long overdue step 289 Disabled-Friendly SchoolsBuilding Resilience in Students Making schools accessible to children with disabilityA step towards making schools emotionally safe 31SCHOOL GOVERNANCE Designing Great Schools11 An architect's perspectiveMedical Safety in Schools A Venture ofProtocols Matter1VCMJTIFS0XOFS4ZFE4VMUBO\"INFE&EJUPSJO$IJFG,BMQB,BSUJL All Rights Reserved 2016$POUFOU%FWFMPQFS6QBTBOB+BJQVSJB1BSVM1BOEFZ%FTJHOFECZ6EBZ4 EduMedia Publications Pvt. Ltd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
Mentor on ‘Safe Schools’ Making schools safe havens require an increased onus of responsibility and accountability from each stakeholder.Schools should be a safe place for all students to learn and play and it is the job of each teacher, administrator, and parent to ensure that safety. Join us in making schools Safe and Secure. Participate in the LXL Ideas School Safety Research. Principal Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H57PSHT Teacher Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JQ2W3YD R
SULTAN SPEAKS [email protected] Restoring safe school: From reactive to being proactiveSafety in Schools is a buzz word these approach with a lack of established legal days in media and almost every other framework or legal counsel. Public Relations is day there is a skeleton tumbling out of a a term that schools associate with promotingschool's closet pertaining to the safety of their brand to get admissions. Media Relationsstudents. Apart from the sheer disgust of the is not part of the school management orincidents that are shaking up our society a educator training agenda, schools only look atparallel debate that seems to have a strong media as a means to showcase themselves inundercurrent is – 'Are these issues new in our society. Online and Social media is a new toolsociety and our society suddenly filled with that most schools close their eyes to and believeunscrupulous elements? Did incidents like this that they can wish it away. Engagement withhappen in the past?' From my point of view the parents is another area which is sowhatever be the reason for this debate, the complicated that it is anybody's guess as toissue of School Safety has been brushed under how schools handle this aspect, it may rangethe carpet for too long and given very little from parents not being allowed to enter theimportance. Reactive is the name of the game, school premises without permission to parentsevery school management wakes up suddenly recruiting teachers.when there is a child safety issue that makesnews headlines and then they go back into a At Mentor Conclave that is being held on 1&2convenient slumber. December 2017 in Bangalore, the underlying theme is School Safety. A detailed LXLThe recent gruesome incident that took place Research Study will form the background of ain a Ryan International School Gurgaon and session titled School Safety, industry stalwartsthe entire sequence of events that followed just will share their learnings of PR, Legal, Mediagoes to show that even the most organised and its relevance to school safety through welleducational entities in India have very weak crafted interactive sessions. Schools are runfoundations of systems and processes that run with all good intentions but good intentionstheir schools. don't create great organisations, sound systems and processes do. Being reactive toWe at LXL Ideas are doing an in-depth safety issues will be catastrophic to our society,research study on Safe Schools. Some of the schools have to be proactive and set up systemsinitial findings that are being revealed by our and processes that will make them safe havensresearch are scary, to say the least. Statutory where learning prospers.requirements and governmental regulations onsafety are not being followed by most schools, Syed Sultan Ahmed,in fact, a lot of them are not even aware ofthem. Majority of schools have a primitive Managing Director, LXL Ideas 5
PEDAGOGY www.lxl.in Mainstreaming Gender Studies in Teacher Education Madhu KushwahaMadhu Kushwaha works as a Professor in the Faculty of Education, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. She teaches courses on Sociology of Education and Gender and Education to prospective teachers and teacher educators. The purpose of this course is to make studentsunderstand that school is an active site of gendering and helps them make their classroom andpedagogical practices gender inclusive. Ms. Kushwaha holds an M.A. in Sociology and Ph.D. inEducation with her area of specialization being Sociology of Education and Gender Issues in Education.Professor Kushwaha has several publications in national and international journals including two bookson Gender Issues in Education. Apart from teaching and educational research, she is an active socialworker and is involved with several NGOs working in the field of education and gender equality.Every education system is influenced by social happen overnight. It requires persistent effortsystems and schools are not far removed from through an education that promotes genderthe social context in the way they equality and can be instrumental in paving thefunction.Gender biases, prejudices, way towards a harmonious society.stereotypes, strict sex segregation, and sexismprevalent in society, affect schools' and A Long Overdue Step, gender equality throughtherefore teacher and students.The only way education is possible only when educationseen through the problem is to inculcate systems and processes in the first place are freesensitivity through a gender inclusive from inherent gender biases. The first stage ofeducation of teachers. Gender studies will help solving a problem is to accept that there is ateachers ascend from being gender neutral to problem and to identify the gender issues insensitive and finally become gender education which lead to inequality.transformative agents practicing genderequality All the schools function in a social context making it impossible for them to remainIdentifying and Accepting the Gender Issues in insulated from the contours of the societalEducation standards. If gender biases are prevalent inTraditionally schools which were considered as wider society, surely it would affect schools andsafe places for students have now become most importantly the teachers and thevulnerable to violent incidents and harassment students who are deeply embedded in theacts. In the wake of these incidences and while school structure. These problems are thenaddressing the problems of sexual harassment reflected in school practices, norms, ethos andof women and children it is being suggested, curriculum albeit in different intensities.almost in all the discourses, that we must Gender is the most pervasive form of inequalityinculcate gender sensitivity in our people.But in Indian society, as it operates across allhow? Becoming sensitive to an issue does not classes, castes, and communities. Teachers, 6
November 2017 School ethos and pedagogical practises. Gender Studies Gender Inequality in Textbooks The feminist critique of 'knowledge' has Gender Studies successfully demonstrated the biases inherent in the cognitive structure of school subjects Gender Studies and how it reflects in textbooks. Studies found that textbooks of developed and developingauthorities, and students live these stereotypes countries both have gendered messages; theto an extent where it seems 'natural' to them. only difference is of the intensity of prejudicesHence it becomes very crucial that schools among textbooks.must deconstruct these gendered prejudicesand stereotypes proactively. Common Gender Biases in Textbooks More representation of males characters inHidden Curriculum in schools- Unknowingly bookspropagating gender inequality Presence of males in all economic activitiesThough no school encourages gender Potrayal of women as a caretaker and maleinequality openly in a stated manner it is as a breadwinnerpractised through hidden curriculum. Studies Absence of men in all care giving rolesconducted in the area of school and classroom Females depicted with negative attributesenvironment demonstrated that gender commonly in case of books includingprejudice is inherent in school ethos and it folkloreaffects girls' and boys' achievement, self- Men depicted by positive masculine traitsconcept, and aspirations. Hidden curriculum like courage, bravery, patroitismas the name suggests is not a part of the formal Potrayal of only men in law, governmentstated curriculum but it comprises those school and politicsnorms and school practises which are followeddiligently by all the stakeholders (teachers, Following the recommendations of Nationalmanagers, students, parents) of school. Curriculum Framework 2005, NationalThough it is not written but the slightest Council Of Educational Research Anddigression from these norms invites strongest Training (NCERT)textbooks are reformedreactions from school authorities. through the gender lens but several Indian schools refer to books by state boards andBroad areas of Gender Inequality in schools private publishers which have not carried out aIn school context gender inequality or thorough gender analysis.These textbooksdiscriminatory practises can be seen in the need urgent gender auditing to make thefollowing areas; content gender neutral and prevent gender biases. Cognitive structure of school subjects, Curriculum and textbooks, and Gender Inequality in Teachers' Behaviour Several types of research in the area of classroom observation have revealed that teachers' behavior perpetuates gender inequality though teachers may not be aware of it or doing it consciously. Teachers' classroom time and attention, their 7
PEDAGOGY www.lxl.inexpectation from students are gendered. A Creation of gender-sensitive school is notstudy conducted on a school in Sarguja district possible without incorporating the keyof Chhattisgarh (central Indian state) found stakeholders i.e. the teachers. So it isthat teachers believed that girls cannot be good imperative that all teachers must have anin studies as boys (Ramchandran, 2005). understanding of gender issues in education and should be trained in using gender inclusiveSuch kinds of discriminatory teachers' pedagogy. National Council for Teacherinteraction give very different kinds of Education (NCTE) has prepared Nationalmessages to male and female students which Curriculum Framework for Teacheraffect and shape their self-concept. Its effects Education, 2009 (NCFTE) and it hascan be seen in students' behaviour even in recommended that gender education must behigher classes. If we are serious enough to an integral part of all pre-service teacherensure equal educational opportunity for boys education programme. Gender educationand girls, teachers must be educated and should be made an essential component of allsensitized about their classroom practises, in-service teacher education programme also.distribution of their time and attention amongstudents. Impact of Gender Education of Teachers Mandatory gender education of teachers“It is necessary to would help them to see the educational institutions as a social institution and move from understand the complex relationship between gender as a gender and education and to develop gender difference to lens Developing gender lens implies the ability analysing gender to analyse the concept of 'knowledge', as domination curriculum, textbooks, teacher's behavior, school ethos, educative process with referenceIncorporating Gender Studies in Teacher to gender (power) relation of the society andEducation Programmes raise thought-provoking questions. This wouldTo achieve gender equality is one of the clearly help them ascend from being gender neutral topronounced goals of the Indian Constitution. sensitive and finally transformative where theyNational Curriculum Framework, 2005 start practising gender equality.emphasises linking education process with itssocial context and teaching of all the subjects They would be able to see their behaviours andfrom a gender perspective. Position Paper classroom practises critically whether these areNational Focus Group on Gender Issues in contributing to gender discrimination andEducation, 2005 recommends, “It is necessary what are the changes they can incorporate toto move from gender as a mere difference to make their classroom practises more genderanalysing gender as domination. Instead of inclusive. Gender transformative teacher canteaching gender as an additional subject it is nurture a future generation who believe in themore important to teach all the subjects from equality of sexes don't reduce half of thegender lens.” population as mere objects. References Apple, M. (2004). Ideology and Curriculum. (3rd Edition). New York, Routledge. Ramchandran, V. (Ed.). (2008). Gender and Social Equity in Primary Education-Hierarchy of Access. New Delhi, Sage Publications. 8 [email protected]
November 2017Building Resilience in StudentsSukhmeen Kaur CheemaSukhmeen Kaur Cheema holds the designation of Vice Principal and School Counsellor with The Indian School, Delhi. She is a young, vivacious professional who wants to make a difference in the lives of students. Her area of expertise is teacher-training, career counselling, personal one-on-onesessions with students and parents on various socio-emotional issues.She is a Microsoft InnovativeEducator who has been selected among 10 educators to represent India for her project \"Distress to De-stress\" at Budapest, Hungary in 2016. She has won awards for Excellence in Counselling Services andTeacher Leadership in promoting life skills, attitudes and values. Ms. Cheema regularly conductsworkshops for teachers, students, and parents on stress management, emotional quotient, safe internetusage, resilience and many other school guidance related topics.Why are happy people happy? friend again\" rather than “Krish fought withWhen so many were concerned about mental me today.”disorders like depression and anxiety, a well- Pervasiveness refers to the tendency toknown positive psychologist, Marin Seligman generalise so that negative features of onefocused his attention on the above question, situation are thought to extend to others asand then came about the positive strengths and well. If Shreya does not perform well in a testtraits like optimism, resilience etc. she thinks \"I'm a failure\" rather than “ I did not perform well in this test which is not the end ofResilience is human's capability to bounce the world.”back when one considers failures as Personalisation, is the tendency to blameopportunities. It is the set of attributes that themselves for everything, for example, “ I amprovides people with the strength and fortitude responsible for my team's loss during theto confront the overwhelming obstacles we are football match” rather than “We could notbound to face in life. There are many factors perform well today, will do better next time.”responsible for low resilience from biological,insecure attachment, poor social skills to asingle parent, family conflict, lack ofsupervision, peer rejection and school bullying.Building ResilienceTo increase resilience we need to combat thethree Ps:Permanence refers to the belief that negativeevents and their causes are permanent, forexample, “Krish hates me and will never be my 9
PEDAGOGY www.lxl.inRole of Schools and Teachers in Building struggle, applying strategies, selectingResilience in Students difficult tasks, persistence and learningAs teachers, we need to help the students avoid If a child does something wrong, focus onthe 3P's, for example world will not end if you reflection rather than suspensiondon't come first in the class. Resilience majorly Rewarding students should not be like adepends on childhood and school experiences, bribe and it should not be continuous. Movehence at a school level we need to focus on the from tangible to intangible and extrinsic tofollowing: intrinsic School need to have a clear behaviour policy Schools need to focus on positive physical and also have rules that clearly show development, academic achievement, consequences, this helps in ensuring problem-solving skills, building discipline connectedness with school, peer and Hold workshops for parents to not engage in culture, physical and psychological safety, helicopter parenting i.e pampering the and healthy beliefs child and being overprotective Teachers need to play the role of a mentor Hold workshops for students on stress and help the students consider failures as management, how to increase emotional opportunities intelligence etc with setting behavioural We need to teach students life skills which expectations are necessary to deal with life challenges If a student is scared of failure, for “Teachers need to example, “What if I don't get good marks in boards”, make them think about the worst play the role of a case scenario: So “Will you die?” and they mentor and help will realise that the situation is not so bad the students Whatever the student's problems are, focus consider failures on life goals, for example, a student comes as opportunities to you with the thought that no one in his/her family loves him/her, ask,” What do Best way to prepare our students for an you want to be? What path do you need to uncertainty in future is to provide each student follow to achieve it?” with genuine feelings of belongingness and Spending time with resilient people optimism through authentic school promotes resilience in others: If a student is experiences. less resilient, pair them up with more resilient friends And remember... Let the child fail in your comfort: A child “You are not born with a fixed amount of can't recite a poem in the classroom, let resilience. Like a muscle, you can build it up, them deal with it in your comfort without draw on it when you need it. In that process, you publically ridiculing them will figure out who you really are—and you just Make the child compete with themselves might become the very best version of yourself.” and not with others Sheryl Sandberg Do not praise for success but for performance and effort Character athletics: Children should be praised for not making goals but who did fair play Use language of growth focusing on: effort, 10 [email protected]
November 2017Medical Safety in SchoolsDr. Hemant SantDr. Hemant Sant is a former Consultant Surgeon and currently a Senior Consultant of Preventive Oncology at HCG Hospitals, Vadodara. He is an alumnus of the Baroda Medical College, M.S. University of Baroda and a distinguished practicing surgeon for over three decades. A firmbeliever in learning and sharing knowledge, he is a visiting faculty at several medical and paramedicalforums. A former president of the Lions Club, Vadodara, is actively engaged in causes of public andsocial relevance including education, learning, and health and sanitation. He regularly conductsworkshops and seminars on cancer prevention, community health, healthy living, and preventive lifestylefor corporates, private organisations, and educational institutes. An avid traveler and a prolific writer, heshares a keen interest in trekking, reading, public advocacy and community mobilising.India has approximately 250 million children ground, and even the canteen - there is agoing to about 1 million schools. The average potential danger everywhere.school student spends 28% of the day and 14%of his or her total annual hours in school. For example, each sharp edge or moving partStatistically, the probability of a medical of hinges of doors are a threat. Similarly, wet,emergency happening is high. Medical slippery floors, steps and lavatories are alsoemergencies are one part of the problem, the hazardous. Glass is another threat: brokenother aspect is the treatment of students, windows, light bulbs, or even cupboards withespecially with special health needs. The onus glass can lead to injuries if care is not taken.thus lies on school administrators and parents There is even the threat of electrocution withequally to be joint stakeholders in making faulty switches and boards, especially in AV orschools medically safe and prepared. computer labs.Despite its critical importance, thepreparedness of schools to tackle medicalemergencies is woefully inadequate. Variousbarriers such as attitudes, insufficientinfrastructure, poor staff education andtraining, and even financial resources lie at theroot of the problem.Emergency is everywhereIn schools, there are often several unperceived,small things that have the potential to renderinjuries and medical emergencies. Right fromthe main gate, classroom doors, benches, sports 11
SCHOOL GOVERNANCE www.lxl.inSports grounds are a different threat by previously had had experience with, but thethemselves. Children can get injured in a school has primary responsibility in not to losenumber of ways while on the ground. In such a time being indecisive or indiscrete. Often,case, a close watch on all student activities is a following of simple emergency protocols can gogood preemptive measure. Students should be a long way in making the school environmentallowed to use sports equipment like shot-put, medically safe in the long run. Such schools arejavelin, high jump etc. only under strict also better prepared for an emergency forsupervision. complex or large-scale events such as community disasters. Checklist of emergency preparedness “It is imperative on-call doctor / nursing staff that school staff quick-response ambulance service be trained in essential primary Name & emergency contact of aid, health care local hospitals in vicinity techniques, and use of equipment Referral and numbers of nearest primary & tertiary care hospitals Medical records of students at-hand - digital & physical copiesProtocols Matter Medically-sound InfrastructureThe recommended best practice during a It is imperative that school staff be trained inmedical emergency is to follow protocol. While essential primary aid, health care techniques,proper training and knowledge can help in the and use of equipment. This training shouldearly emergency stage, it is highly include hands-on training with first aid, CPRrecommended that proper medical (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), AEDsconsultation be top of the list before any (automated external defibrillators), use oftreatment or care is administered. In such a oxygen mask and cylinders, and blood pressurecase, in charge person must first inform the measurement amongst the chief. Every schoolschool Supervisor about the nature and detail should have a centrally located sickbay withof emergency before establishing contact and preferably a trained nurse trained and a generalinforming the parent. medical doctor or Surgeon to deal with emergencies. If not, few staff members can beAll schools must have a standby / on-call trained. This training can also be done bymedical staff; in case of boarding / residential parents of students who are doctors or trainedschools, an infirmary with trained staff must medical personnel.be set up. Over and above the training and handling ofIt is natural that parents prefer treatment and equipment, infrastructure to handle medicalcare from a trusted doctor or hospital they cases must be adequate and accessible. For example, a dedicated room must be appointed 12
Health and Basic First Aid Chart November 2017 FOREIGN BODYFEVER NAUSEA/VOMITING SEIZURE/FALLING Take temperature. Let the child throw up. Requires immediate attention. Identify what the object is by Apply cold towels over neck and Wipe mouth and upper body Gently move the unconscious asking basic questions. head for few minutes. properly. Allow the child to rest. child to flat position with head Provide basic airway support. For temperature >100°F, Give Ask the student to suck on ice side raised and no sudden Shift the child to a place where Paracetamol syrup. cubes, ginger or clove. movements. X ray and Endoscopy facility For, Body weight < 30 Kg, dose Give a 15 ml dose of liquid Apply Neck Collar and raise up exists. = 250 mgm antacid or anti-vomit tablet. chin to allow breathing. Cases of swallowing of small Body weight 30 - 75 Kg, dose = Rehydration is important. Follow the ABCDE Procedure: coins. need only observation; 650 mgm Electrolytic solutions like ORS Airway-Breathing-Circulation - they usually fall out in stools. All Body weight > 75 Kg, dose = 2 Pedialyte® or Electral must be Disability (broken bones)-E sharps pins need endoscopic tabs of 500 mgm. stocked. (exit). removal.WHEEZING/ASTHMA ALLERGIC REACTION CUTS AND BRUISES HEAD INJURIESDifficulty in breathing needs Commonly caused by food Use Normal Saline (NS) IV Be alert and keep the childimmediate flat resting with head allergens.up & neck to side position. School should have procedures bottle jet for cleaning the wound under observation for 24 hours.Use the Nebulizer machine to complying with state and localhelp with breathing. regulations for the painlessly. Apply 5% dilute Fall or hurt on sides of the headCheck records provided by administration of Epinephrineparents. The child may carry via auto injectors by non- Savlon solution as soapy is very dangerous as the injuredprescribed medication or licensed personnel.asthma inhaler for emergencies. School should work with child’s cleaner and wash again with person is awake and seems OK.Move to the nearest hospital as parents and doctor to create alast resort. detailed allergy plan. NS. But internal injuries are a real Use Hydrogen peroxide solution threat: blood gradually collects and apply ready-to-use J&J under the bony skull and can Surgipad. Apply Bandage. cause coma. .Fall or hurt on Apply Betadine ointment on sides of the head is very bruises before closing the dangerous as the injured person dressing. is awake and seems OK. But internal injuries are a real threat: blood gradually collectsas a 'sick bay'. This room must be easily under the bony skull and canaccessible from all parts of the school andshould not be in a place where access is difficult Schools must have floor pcaulsaencosma.with escapeor takes too much time to reach. This sick bay X-ray of Skull and CAT Scan iscan be equipped with: flatbeds (at least 2),pillows, torch, AED units, Pulse Oximeter (1), routes displayed prominentrlecyomomnendeeda. ch floor ofOxygen cylinder (1), essential tablets, first aidkit, and medical waste disposal system. The the schools. The public address system must besickbay must also have updated records ofmedical histories of all students, teachers, and manned by a responsible person who also hasstaff. access to telephone numbers of supervisor,Additionally, a well-equipped sick bay can alsohave a Nebuliser machine, oral airway mask senior staff, principals, on-call doctor, and thewith Ambu bags (3 sizes), and splints etc. Allequipment should have written record of quick-response ambulance service.periodic maintenance and carry standardsafety certificates and operating instructions. Dealing with medical emergenciesOften, in case of emergencies, the best way to Some of the most common medicalprevent mishaps is to be aware and alert. emergencies in schools are given in the first aid chart displayed on the page. However, the information provided in the chart is not a substitute for professional medical advice. One should seek the advice of a physician before rendering any treatments. The best way to equip schools to deal with medical emergencies is to be prepared with pre- emtive and necessary reactive measures. 13 [email protected]
SCHOOL GOVERNANCE www.lxl.in CREATING A SAFE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT Ms. Jaya BhardwajJaya Bhardwaj has been an educator for over 25 years and has also been felicitated with the National Teachers' Award in 2010. Her research in the field of lowering aggression levels with Yoga has been globally acclaimed. As a resource person with CBSE she organises regular workshops and teachertraining sessions. She believes in a student centric pedagogy and investing in technology and qualifiedteachers to achieve academic success. She consistently advocates for gender parity and is the Presidentof Haryana Women's Cricket Association. Currently, she is the principal of Hansraj Public School inPunchkula and along with her team of co-ordinators and teachers she strives to create a safe learningenvironment fostering student excellence. A passionate reader, she conducts regular reading groupswith her students to encourage them to do the same.In recent years there has been a rise in instances extension of violent and aggressive tendenciesof social bullying like mimicking unkindly, which these curators might have beenspreading rumours, damaging someone’s social harbouring all these years. I would like toreputation, playing nasty jokes etc. This type quote from Hudley Cynthia’s ‘You Did Thatof bullying not only causes humiliation but is On Purpose’, “Children who are highlyharder to recognise as it can be carried out aggressive in elementary school are often highlybehind the bullied person’s back. The closely aggressive in adolescence and adulthood.”packed social scene in schools furtherintensifies impulsive situations leading to In elementary schools, the seemingly harmlessdesensitisation towards social offenses. With incidents of tiffin being eaten or bagsdigital technology being an integral part of our plundered in the owner’s absence can in laterlives, youngsters are fast foraying into stages develop to actions directed at harmingcyberbullying which can happen anytime, in f e l l ow s t u d e n t s ove r t l y o r c ove r t l y.public or in private. Counsellors who seemed to Adolescence, being a transitory developmentalwield influence five years ago are at a loss today. stage in students, is highly susceptible to covertIt seems a singular counseling based approach aggression. Various triggers like excessiveis no longer enough. Today, schools need to have exposure to ’negative’ media reports, the mada multipronged strategy to prevent bullying rush to excel, intense pressure to perform orand violence. easy access to technology where they command control over the information they desireIncreasing Aggression in 21st Century increase the violent tendencies of adolescents.Recent incidents of young lives being lost tothe ‘Blue Whale Challenge’ have left me Factors Responsible for Violence and Bullyingshocked and deeply worried. I fail to It is important to note that violence in studentsunderstand the psyche of the curators of this is not only physical but has a socio-culturalgame. On the other hand, I wonder if it is an characteristic too. Children like all humans are 14
November 2017shaped by their social and cultural With digital technology being an integral partenvironment. Psychologists have long debated of our lives, youngsters are fast foraying intothe nature vs. nurture control on personality cyberbullying which can happen anytime, indevelopment and have discussed the public or in private. Also, what is important isimportance of environmental traits on the once the information is shared online throughholistic growth of the child. Under the platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchatenvironment, family and school as institutions it becomes viral across the world in a fewbecome very crucial as these are the places seconds and a small impulsive teenage actionwhere the child spends most of his/her time can remain etched in memories for years toduring the formative years. So, both the places come. The closely packed social scene in schoolsare tasked with the challenge of providing a further intensifies impulsive situations leadingmorally upright environment for grooming the to desensitization towards social offenses.child to become good human beings. Counsellors who seemed to wield influence five years ago are at a loss today. It seems a singularHowever, these ideals are not always achieved. counseling based approach is no longer enough.A reason is that these places do not operate inisolation and aggression is being fostered in a Steps Recommended To Schools To Preventglobalised climate. Various external factors Bullying:that are not in control of the family and school Rules & Regulations:like economic status of parents, the selectionof peer group, access to digital media including Schools should have a well-establishedvideo games and cartoons etc. play a major role system of rules and regulationsin students indulging in violent activities. At The orientation of staff and students onsome level, the unnatural behaviour often school rules and policiesbecomes normalized in families where children Zero tolerance policy regarding bullyinggrow up watching their elder siblings or parentsindulge in acts of violence. Constant Monitoring: Entire school staff must keep a watchful“Zero Tolerance eye on students in their respective spheres of duty and must be skilled to intervene Policy Regarding appropriately Bullying in Monitoring probable bullying hotspots schools during break time Installation of CCTVSchools- Vulnerable to Different Types ofBullyingIn recent years there has been a rise in instancesof social bullying like mimicking unkindly,spreading rumours, damaging someone’s socialreputation, playing nasty jokes etc. This typeof bullying not only causes humiliation but isharder to recognise as it can be carried outbehind the bullied person’s back. 15
SCHOOL GOVERNANCE www.lxl.inPeriodic Counselling: Challenges: School counsellor must conduct formal & Making students realise their behaviour is informal counselling sessions at regular unacceptable intervals Observing students for symptoms of low Counselling sessions for those who bully as self-esteem well as those who get bullied Gathering evidence particularly in case of passive aggressionWell Established Reporting System: Convincing parents about the aggressive School students must be encouraged to and violent behavior of their wards, report violations without fear of particularly considering parents tend to be consequences in denial A clear reporting system helps track individual incidents and action taken, as Children who endure bullying generally suffer well as trends over time. This helps from low self-esteem and falling grades. These authorities analyse the type and frequency children need to be counseled, assured and at the of violations. same time, student bullies need to be taught empathy for others’ feelings.Engaging Parents: School is encouraged to be prompt in In a world where violence has percolated the informing parents about any deviations or very core of our being it is necessary that we changes observed in the behavior of their approach preventive measures from an early wards stage. As William Wordsworth said, the “The Child is father of the Man”, if we can teach ourEnabling Teenagers to Manage Aggression: children to be more tolerant, we can build a Measures which enable students to control world which is empathetic. Bullying is often and manage their aggressive tendencies, the expression of a person with low self-esteem. For example, our school decided to use Yoga Instead of letting our students find release in as an effective tool/intervention technique aggression we must focus on creating safe to control & manage aggression environments that are conducive to honest Yoga has long been a practise in Indian communication. Schools are building blocks of tradition and it is now universally accepted personality and we have a responsibility to that it allows one to exercise control over both the society and our students that we must mind and body work to fulfill. 16 [email protected]
COVER STORY November 2017INSIDE THE MIND OFA LEADERThe world's simplest idea. The Golden Circle, coinedby Mr. Simon Sinek. A man who deciphered theminds of leaders, leaders like the Wright brothers,Steve Jobs, Martin Luther King. He saidexceptional leaders had a way of life, a way of doingthings and realizing this gave birth to the GoldenCircle.It consists of 3 concentric circles. It begins with thewhy? How? And finally what? The purpose of this isto understand what a leader is made of in their coreand what drives them in this dynamic world.In this issue, Ms. Nishi Misra, the principal ofScindia Kanya Vidyalaya Gwalior, shares her beliefson making a difference and what made her ventureinto the field of education. WHY? Mine is not an isolated case. A lot of my colleagues have had the same initialWhat made you embark on this remarkable motivation and same subsequent mission. Myjourney and what keeps you going every day? theory is that teaching is so akin toI have to confess that I embarked on this parenting that it is perhaps the mostjourney motivated by a chance question of natural profession in the world.an acquaintance, “So, what do you do?” Idid not have an answer. I was a 22 year old Tell us about you, about your story.homemaker and felt that I was expected to Going back to school as a teacher was likebe more. That was the time when women returning to a comforting oasis from awere stepping out and stepping up. Then chaotic and often hostile world. When Istarted my quest of discovering what more prepared lessons, I felt humbled by thecould I do. I wanted a profession that would not immense power that I had because I wasinterfere with my family changing my students perception of thecommitments.Teaching seemed like the perfect world. I felt compelled to do it the bestcareer because it would seamlessly match with way I could.my family's schedule. However, almost fromthe moment I entered the classroom, I knew Tell us your core belief.that it was my calling. I believe that we are surrounded by 17
COVER STORY www.lxl.inopportunities and the way we choose to take characteristic traits helped me get comfortableand respond to them shapes us. with the immense responsibility of the leadership.Share an instance that tested your strength andhow did you overcome it? How have you impacted your school's growthWhen I moved from teaching to since your joining?administration, I faced challenges of being Self assessment is the key to evaluate yourexpected to lead a group of teachers who progress report. Since the time I joined towere older than me. Added to that was the where we are now, the school has also gonechallenge of inspiring this reluctant team to through definite changes.adopt an evolving pedagogy that required amassive shift from the trite old chalk-n-talk Safety of the students is my fundamentalto experiential learning. concern owing to the horrifying risks that children face today. Majority of my workI had to prove myself worthy of their addresses this concern and some of theattention. So I trained myself thoroughly initiatives undertaken are:in the new methodologies. Then I modeledthe teaching-practise which I wanted to Placing top-of-the-line security agencyinspire them to use. Next I held working at strategic beats to encompassbrainstorming sessions to build a shared the entire school. Routine and thoroughvision which helped everyone to buy-into frisking of staff. Mapping of visitorsthe proposed change. With time, most movements to the personnel they wantpeople were on board. to meet. Added checks through a visual surveillance HOW? Appointment of teacher on duty and House Mothers. Teacher on duty areHow have you translated your aspirations into responsible for group of students underreality? their care. House Mothers substituteMy aspirations were never in clear focus. teacher on duty in their absenceThey emerged from a deep value system An eleven-tier system for students tothat was ingrained in me by my parents voice their issues. Addressing theirand mirrored by school. I find myself out cocerns and maintainence of writtenof my depth when the circumstances recordsaround me are contrary to the values ofunwavering integrity which I wasindoctrinated with. I just knew that I hadto do more than what I was doing on anygiven day on any given matter.How have you channeled your passion into yourpresent role as a leader?The passion of moving beyond my comfortzone, of doing more helped me in acceptingnew challenges, thinking differently and takingthe road less taken. With time, these 18
November 2017 Besides the House Mistress caring for a a subject; upgradation of kitchen facilities larger group of students, the designated including provision of new cold-room are House Tutors look after a smaller group to some some of the added facilities. ensure complete attention to every child Adminstering counselling services We want to know what your leadership strategy through multiple counsellors is in the field of education and how you implement it.Academics: The students results in the last My belief is simple : A leader makes more6-7 years have put us on the toppers list of leaders.the State. Being a residential school, My strategy is simpler : Lead, follow or getstudents get no assistance from parents or out of the way !tuition teachers like day-students. The To be a change-maker, I ensure that I amresults are entirely the effort of the fully equipped, in terms of domainteachers hard work and the students' knowledge, to lead the change. I also believefulsome response to it. in identifying potential leaders who can lead the change. These leaders are then providedFaculty: The professional development of with the best professional development tothe faculty looms large on my horizon. enable them to be comfortable in their new role.Since joining, the budgetary allocation onprofessional development has grown more Take us through the process of – ideation, planthan 15 times. Moreover, every teacher has of action and execution of one of the bestbeen given the experience of travelling practises/idea that you implemented in yourabroad to widen their world-view. school.“Safety of the Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior Project Sankalp: low cost sanitary napkins students is my One undertaking, many outcomes fundamental concern owing to Improves standards of women's hygiene the horrifying Gender-sensitisation risks that Boost indigenous machines children face Enterprise Community serviceNew Facilities: Renovation of academic blockfloors; establishment of technology in the Research: I was looking for opportunities toclass-rooms and hostels; building 24 staff provide meaningful community serviceresidences; Temperature control in mess and projects which our school could undertake.auditorium; Retrofitting of our iconic I wanted students to be involved in theheritage building as the nerve-centre of the project from its inception to its execution. So,school; introduction of Entrepreneurship as we trained students on conducting a sociological research encompassing several areas in the periphery of the city of Gwalior. Their needs assessment report showed a lack of basic sanitation which was imposing severe hardships on the rural female population. These women were neither aware nor could afford sanitary napkins. Thus they were 19
COVER STORY www.lxl.inresorting to unhygienic alternatives ranging Distributionfrom rags, leaves and even sand ! We supplied napkins to 250 women in the village of Jagra who had been furtherProject Identification: I recognised this impoverished due to the wild life normsproblem and applied myself to finding a way impacting these erstwhile snake-charmers.to supply sanitary napkins to the Batches of students were trained to educateunderprivileged women. I identified a low cost the women on the use and disposal of thesanitary napkin manufacturing unit. This fully napkins.indigenous machine was designed, created andtested by Mr. Muruganantham of Jayaashree Entreprenureship ModelIndustries, Coimbatore. I travelled to Many hospitals, NGOs and Missions expressedCoimbatore to check out the machine and interest in buying this low-cost product. Theits compatibility with being run at school. huge demand for the product set us thinkingI learnt that the machine uses bio and we worked out a sustainable small scaledegradable materials like banana fibre to make industry model which would give livelihood tolow cost sanitary napkins and can be run by the women in the village and raise the standardstudents after minimal training. of hygiene in the area. With funds raised from FRS and other sources, our second ProjectFunding: We commenced fundraising “Sankalp: Jarga” is up and running.initiatives like Funfairs, House Sales, Alumniand The Friends of Round Square. Soon we Gender Sensitisationhad the funds to buy the machine. The Boys and girls of many schools in India andmachine arrived and was installed amidst abroad have had the opportunity to work ongreat curiosity. The simple training imparted these machines during Youth Festivals andto a pioneering group of staff and students, set RSCs that are held at the school. Thethe ball rolling. school Biology teacher along with the school Doctor brief and orient the students on theThe Product: The simple machines are laid subject of menstrual cycle and itsout on 8 stations -- each the size of a implications. Thereafter, the students workstudent's study desk. The process begins on manufacturing the napkins and assist inwith tearing the raw-cotton and banana fibre distribution at the village. This willsheets and mixing with binding cotton in a certainly go a long way in gendermixer jar. 12 grams of material is portioned sensitisation of the youth.into moulds which are compressed underan air-powered stamp. After inserting a Alumni Involvementwater-proof strip, this initial napkin is In 2015, one of our Alumni studying in Londonsealed into absorbent tissue-cloth. An submitted this project to the Davies Peaceadhesive is applied and covered with a strip Projects and received funding of 10,000/- USDof oil-paper which can be stripped off to set the to set up the unit in another village. This wasnapkin in place. completed in August 2015 at village Veerpur. Our third project is called Sankalp: VeerpurA maternity version with longer 'tails' is The initiative of setting up this unit to producealso being manufactured. At the end of the and distribute sanitary napkins to underassembly line, the napkin is sterilised in a privileged women, is named “SKV-Sankalp” -UV chamber. Sets of 8 napkins are packed which in Sanskrit means, a resolution taken bytogether and are ready for distribution. SKV to help women live with dignity. 20
November 2017 WHAT? conduct workshops in our school. The students carry out the entire process like :What all changes have you brought about in budgetary allocation, contactingyour school that was parallel to your beliefs for a them,bringing them on board and running thebetter future for children? costing and making arrangements for theirBy establishing some new systems and key lodging etc.responsibility areas, I have brought ourteaching community closer to the students. Doing one such event is enough to give aThey now know their students far better student more skill and confidence than anythan they used to. The students only preparation for an exam would have done.needed to have someone to listen to them.With the involvement of teachers, the What did you do to bring to life your aspirationslevels of 'indiscipline' receded significantly. for your school?Giving students opportunities to excel is I studied the vision and models ofanother strategy that has made them more different schools in many parts of theparticipative and aware of their own world. Similarly, I encouraged mytalents. I encourage the students to colleagues and students to study theexperience 'real life' rather than ' virtual life' systems of other schools that they visited.through internships or volunteer work for Then we discussed initiatives which couldschool events. be grafted on the culture and traditions of Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya. A balance has toWhat have you done in your school that be struck between a free delegation andrepresents the belief system that you would like facilitative feedback at critical junctures.to instill in children? Finally frequent assessments of the processI want the educational content to be make for the perfect outcome.relevant to students. I want them to takecharge of their own learning. So I routinely What is the future you want for your school?provide opportunities for students to What future do you see for your school? Whatundertake projects which they are will you do to bridge the gap, if any.responsible for running from end-to-end. I want to give the world to my studentsFor instance I encourage them to reach out before I give my students to the world.to authors/entrepreneurs/professionals to 21
COVER STORY www.lxl.in Chai time chit-chatTell us your life's journey all the way from your Share one of the finest advices you have beenfirst steps into a school to right this moment. given that you still carry along with you today.School was and is my escape haven. It gave The advice given by my father that the workme sanctuary from turbulent times when I of an administrator should live on long afterfirst started teaching. It was a privilege to the administrator is gonego back to my Alma Mater to teachalongside my own teachers. They were the What is the most unexpected thing you'veones who motivated me towards school learned along the way as a leader?administration. Passing through portals of Vision comes from the most unlikely peoplesome of the best schools in the country and places. I have learned that the simplestgave me an insight into the grand visions statements made by random people canof their founders. inspire me to work towards big goals.What made you embark on this journey of Tell us about a technological innovation that youschool leadership? want to implement in your school in the next 5Early in my career I had decided to stop years.saying 'no' to stretching out of my comfort I would like to set up the tools forzone. Each time an opportunity or allowing students to dabble in innovationschallenge came my way, I would tell myself, and try out their ideas while still in school.“why not have a go at this?” That's how Iembarked on my journey of school To you, a safe school means .............leadership. FREEDOM.Tell us about some life experiences that shaped A mandatory classroom management techniqueyou into the leader that you are today. to ensure safe classroom environment for yourI have learnt more from my failures than studentsmy successes. I have also learnt from A simple look-over to check whether allfailures of others. students are attending class; follow up to check where the student was if not in yourIf you could pen down your mantra for class; Visual surveillance; confidencemanaging a school into words, what would it be? building measures for students to reportIt would be a single word “ LOVE” that fuels unusual occurences.my passion, dedication and motivation’ Are there fully articulated policies andWhat was one of your most defining moments in procedures in your school regarding schoollife? safety? Who is the \"go-to person\" whenThe moment when as a single mother of something happens or when a policy questiontwo, I found myself totally bereft of any arises?support. Yes, we have a Critical Incident Management plan in place. However, thisDo you think you chose this profession or did it needs to evolve with time and as newchoose you? crimes are reported in the press. There is noIt certainly chose me but I could not have single 'go-to person' but a group of stake-chosen better. holders.22 [email protected]
November 2017Legal protection for SchoolsM.C. Nagashree MupanneM.C. Nagashree Mupanne is a practising advocate in the high court of Karnataka from the past 20 yrs. She has also worked in the capacity of a government advocate for 6 years. Ms. Mupanne also is a central government advocate and senior advocate for central excise. She sits on thecommittee for sexual harassment in central excise that includes both north and south. After completingher law degree from the prestigious law college at Bangalore, she started practising law.Throughout hercareer, she has argued over four thousand cases in the high court of which more than four hundred andseventy-five cases have been reported in different law journals. She was also appointed as the nodalofficer by health and family welfare department in the famous acid attack case in Supreme Court. Inaddition to these, Advocate Mupanne also deals with miscellaneous cases like tender cases in high court.The recent murder of a child in the school has child protection and importance of counsellingbrought to scrutiny the safety measures services in schools. During the session, someemployed by the school and its ability in alarming statistics maintained by Childlineensuring a safe environment. Some frequently India were also brought to notice.Theseasked questions are: Do we have laws and statistics were a part of a nationwide survey ofpolicies in place to safeguard the school schools conducted on child protectionenvironment? Where does the accountability mechanisms and revealed the grim reality aslie if a safety breach takes place? Are these laws shown in the image.being strictly implemented? Do schools facerepercussions if they fail to observe the 64% 1%mandatory legal requirements? This articlewill try to find answers to such questions. Schools take no Schools have measures for Sexual HarassmentChild Protection Policy and the Legal Angle safety outsideChild protection is part of safeguarding Policyprocess. It focuses on protecting individual school premiseschildren, identifying as suffering or likely tosuffer significant harm. This includes child 10% 88%protection procedures. A consultative sessionon 'Role of Schools in Child Protection' Schools have a School Principalsorganised by the State Commission for Child Protection Policy have received noprotection of Child Rights with Childline inDimapur highlighted an immediate need for training onschools to have 'child Protection Policy' in child protectionschools. Attended by educators from variousdistricts it also covered the legal aspects of 23
SCHOOL LEADERSSHIP www.lxl.in The ruling is a pointer to considering the school as a service provider and parent as a consumer of service and kid as the beneficiary of service. Deficiency in legal terms is “any fault, imperfection, shortcoming or inadequacy in the quality, nature and manner of performance which is required to be maintained by or under any law for the time being in force or has been undertaken to be performed by a person in pursuance of a contract or otherwise in relation to any service.”Beyond these figures, it is well known that a “ Enforcingchild spends quality time of the day in schools.This makes it essential for them to provide an adherence to theenvironment conducive to the child's holistic policy anddevelopment. It is mandatory for the school procedure caninstitution to frame a written Child Protection provide aPolicy and implement the same. With the framework fornumber of school hours increasing in recent legal protectiontimes, more extra-curricular activities, more to schoolsinteraction with non-teaching staff many ofwhom are not employees, growing academic In the light, the definition of deficiency ofresponsibilities of teachers and many such service in pursuance of a contract, a properchanges are placing kids in positions outside of contract which demarcates the rules andresponsible supervisory control. The schools at responsibilities of a school and rights ofthe most, ensure the safety of children on the parents should be considered by a school. Thatbest effort basis. However, the rising incidents could mean documenting the policy andof abuse of children expect school procedure followed by the school for ensuringadministrations to give top priority to student child safety. Enforcing adherence to the policysafety in right earnest. and procedure can provide a framework for legal protection to schools. Such a policyProviding A Legal Framework: Why and How should include elaborate steps to be taken toA recent order of the Maharashtra consumer prevent any acts that affect the safety of childdisputes redressal commission held the school and mechanism to bring to the notice of theresponsible for failing to avoid an incident of school any untoward incident without delay.assault after two class nine students quarreled The policy should ensure impartial andduring school hours. It ordered the school to objective examination of the unexpectedpay Rs 2.25 lakh to the father of the then 14- occurrence and ensure providing completeyear-old boy who broke his arm in the incident.The commission ruled that by paying fees, thechild is a consumer and, the school, a serviceprovider, \"The school is answerable for thefailure on its part to take precautions toprevent the incident and immediate care of theinjured child.\" 24
November 2017information to the concerned parent. employee statement outlining the nature of employment, leave, and benefits. The schoolUnder rules and notifications under the state should undertake extra measures to monitoreducation act in Karnataka limits mandating their activities and be ready to intervenestandards to the safety of buildings, furniture, without slightest delay for corrective actions.drinking water and many such areas. A more The school should share with parents,pertinent rule is that related to setting up of comprehensive information about the tasksParent Teacher Committee in “It shall be the and functions that have been outsourced.duty of the head of every recognisededucational institution, to constitute a Steps to ensure legal safeguards for SchoolsParent Teacher Committee within thirty The schools in the meetings of Parent Teacherdays of the commencement of each academic Committee should make the parents aware ofyear.” The function of the committee includes the legal provisions available to ensure the“to redress the grievances of the students and protection of their children. Child abuse istheir parents, if any; any other activity prosecuted under the various sections ofconducive to the welfare of the students;” The Indian law. The Protection of Children frommeetings of the committee is the right forum to Sexual Offenses Act provides for a variety ofmake the parents aware of the practical offenses under which an accused can beconstraints in ensuring safety of kids and the punished. The act defines a child, recognisescommitment of the school in taking every forms of abuse, criminalises acts of immodestypossible step to ensure the safety of students. against children, lists offenses with respect to pornography, makes abetment of child abuse“Child protection an offense and provides for various procedural reforms. is part of safeguarding Against the backdrop of legal protection process available and beyond legal and contractual terms and conditions, the society expects aReasons of Safety Breach school to take effective steps to ensure theA closer look at the incidents where the safety safety and security of innocent lives atof kids is compromised is in most cases due to physical, emotional and mental levels. Thetemporary staff or independent contractors. school should document the policy andThe non-teaching responsibilities of schools procedure and put into practise stringentlylead to the hiring of such workforce be it for while keeping the guardians updated on thetransport, special skills training, or steps taken in case of incidents to ensure legalmaintenance of premises. The non-availability protection. Establishing, implementing andof the authorised agency which can undertake following good safeguarding policies includeprofessional background check of the safe recruitment. The schools should ensure alltemporary staff is a big hurdle when engaging staffs and voluntaries receive child protectionthem. This makes it imperative on the school to training and are aware and follow thelay down the policy and procedure for organisation's policies and procedures.engagement and management of temporaryworkers. This should include temporary “Note that the information and views in the article are not intended to be legal advice and should not be considered as legal advice”. 25 [email protected]
SCHOOL LEADERSSHIP www.lxl.in School Council and Safety Thomson K FrederickThomson K Frederick hailing from Kottayam, Kerala has been working in the field of education for 19 years, as a facilitator and an administrator. He holds a Bachelors in Education and Masters in Arts and Language from the presitigious Mahatama Gandhi University. He has also worked with MITMaharashtra as an International School Award coordinator for British Council. As a principal, he hasalways been an active school council member and advocates for translating the legislative functions ofcouncil in safe school governance. He believes in the skill of Team Management, Team Work andEducational Leadership to help him govern his school effectively and efficiently. Mr. Thomson aims to bean inspirational leader and his mantra to achieve professional excellence through training and regularlyupgrading yourself by sharing knowledge and ideas through a collaborative learning approach.Safe school governance is one topic with Representative, House Masters Councilmanifold dimensions; It is not merely about Representative, Parents-Teacher Associationinfrastructure. It touches the psychological representative, School Managementenvironment of the school also. The school as a Committee Representative, and Studentwhole should be a factory which produces Council Members.positives only. Safety is a concept which shouldbe thoroughly scrutinised and updated. All the Objectives of a School Councilstakeholders of the school have to contribute Assist in the efficient governance of the school.their part in this process. Ensure that its decisions are taken withIntroduction to School Council regards to safeguarding the best interests ofThe word governance derives from the Greek the students.word 'kybernao' meaning 'to steer or guide'. As Enhance the educational opportunities ofthe word suggests, it is an activity which the students of the schoolcomprises taking administrative decisions tomanage a particular resource or institution. Authority of a School Council:For schools, the responsibility of safe and good Enter into contracts, agreements orgovernance lies with the school council. arrangements Establish trusts and act as a trustee of themWhat is a school council? Why we need a School Employ teachers (for a fixed period notGoverning Council? School Governing Council exceeding one year or on a casual basis),or SGC is an apex body set to frame and teacher aides or any other staff for theimplement the rules and regulations necessary purpose of performing the council'sfor the unobstructed functioning of the school. functions and dutiesIt comprises of the Principal, Academic Head, Charge fees to parents for goods, services orSenior Teacher, Chief Accountant, Teacher other things provided by the school Conduct programmes in or use or allow 26
November 2017 third parties to conduct programmes in or Council and Safe School Policy use school buildings or grounds for Among the diverse functions, the most students, young people and the local important function of school council is to community for educational, recreational, frame and follow a safe school policy where the sporting or cultural activities parameters of safety are defined on Carry out construction and improvements international standards. A school safety to school buildings. (Ref. Making committee assists the council regarding safety Partnership Work/ Department of Early matters. The safety plan guidelines have been Childhood Education, State Government, given by the government of India in Victoria) consultation with UN.guidelines in 2011-12. However, the checklist does not cover theFunctions of a School Council concept of safety in entirety. It does not Establishing the broad direction and vision include safety concerns outside school of the school boundary e.g. safe transportation or concerns Developing, reviewing and updating the within e.g. the emotional safety of child etc. policies of the school Thus, the school councils should proactively Raising funds for school-related purposes look at filling this lacuna and take a multi- Regulating and facilitating the after-hours dimensional approach to address safety use of school premises and grounds concerns. Exercising a general oversight of the buildings and grounds and ensuring that Demarcated Roles and Responsibilities: Key to they are kept in good order and condition Effective Governance Providing for cleaning and sanitary services It is necessary to clearly demarcate the necessary for the school functional difference in the role of a school Ensuring all money coming into the hands council and a Principal. It results in effective of the council is properly expended for governance and avoids confusion. The function purposes related to the school of a school council is much broader and Ensuring that an annual report relating to involves school governance by framing policies financial activities and the school's strategic in resonance with the vision and mission while plan is published and made available to the the principal is responsible for managing and school community implementing such policies. School councils Stimulating interest in the school in the play a crucial role in strategic planning which wider community involves reflecting on past performances of school and setting a future course. A principal is the council's chief executive officer responsible for day to day operations. At times, council consults with students', especially when it comes to developing policies on topics of students' interest. Thus, Council is the connection between the school and the community including staff, students, and parents. An effective and efficient governance by council demands a dialogue exchange by a mutual sharing of information, knowledge, and ideas. 27 [email protected]
INNOVATION www.lxl.in Disabled-Friendly Schools Ms. Madhu SinghalMadhu Singhal is the founder of Mitra Jyothi, a registered trust working for people with disability in general and visually impaired in particular since 1990 in Bengaluru. Ms. Singhal herself is visually impaired since birth and therefore her mission in life is to assist differently abled peopleto lead independent and dignified lives through Educational Training. She has been honoured withNational Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in 2008, Long Service Achievement Award“Saksham” in 2011 for protecting the rights of women with disability, Sarojini Trilok Nath Award forservice to visually impaired people in 2016. Ms. Singhal is also a Member of the World Blind Union andthe Asian Blind Union, National Executive Committee Member of the National Federation of the Blind,Karnataka Branch and a National coordinator of Women with visual impairment.Schools, in India, lack the conducive Creation of “Special Needs Department”environment to cater to the special needs of Every educational institution should have adifferently-abled students. It is usually “Special Needs Department” that will focusesobserved that present policies focus on the on the necessities of children with disabilities.most basic of infrastructure e.g. ramps to make It should be responsible for managing specialthe schools friendly for the disabled. needs ranging from building awareness to infrastructure support and special needsIn reality, this is only a small step to make training. From orientation and mobilityschools accessible to Children with a disability. training for people with different disabilities toVarious initiative needs to be taken on multiple special training on computer usage for thefronts including infrastructural, institutional blind, relevant training curriculum has to beand at policy levels to include children with designed and children have to be trained.disabilities in mainstream society.Educational incentives and priority admissionsPriority admissions have to be reserved forchildren/people with disabilities in schools,colleges, universities, and hostels. Fixed quotasof seats have to be reserved for people withdisabilities. Efforts and measures have to beput in place to ensure the same does not getmisused. Special merit scholarships andfellowships to people with disabilities need tobe provided so as to attract talent and inspirethem to reach higher. 28
November 2017 Independent Living Skill Training should be a need to be provided in earmarked places in part of mandatory studies. E-Exams need to Braille and Sign Language. Wheelchair be made available as an option for children with support needs to be provided everywhere print disabilities. Options for taking computer- necessary. Toilets and bathrooms have to be based exams/answering with tablets should be made “accessible” and any special needs a provided for children with print disabilities. candidate may have has to be accordingly Captioned and recorded lectures, special note- accommodated. taking and examination accommodations have to be provided. Flexible attendance, optional Transportation needs course work reduction, special tutors and Educational institutions should provide trained professors to teach and adjust to specially equipped buses to accommodate the individual special needs to be provided. In- needs of people with disabilities. This is the class interpreters, special tutors, and scribes norm in developed nations. We should follow will have to be provided. Student Advocacy suit and ensure we do not lag in our country in groups have to be created to support children any way. Buses should have movable platforms with disabilities. to ease the process of getting in and out of buses for people with orthopedic disabilities. It“Tactile diagrams should have Braille maps in designated predefined spots and posters in sign languages and Braille and should be equipped with audio prompts for should be station announcements and such. Wheelchair extensively used support and special parking bays to be to bring in provided for people with disabilities. advanced science and math Digital Accessibility and accessible printed education for the matter visually impaired All digital devices, websites, applications should be available in 'accessible forms' as in, Infrastructural Accessibility school/college websites should all be designed The physical environment in educational to meet Accessible Coding standards as defined institutions has to be made “Accessible”. It by the W3C. needs to be 'disabled friendly' and have all necessary infrastructure support in terms of Necessary software to access e-Text should be making the entire campus “accessible to all”. provided. Printed matter including but not Ramps/elevators need to be provided as limited to text books, forms, applications, alternate to /stairs all across. Railings need to question papers etc should be available in be provided as guides for people with vision various accessible format like Braille, Audio impairment/orthopedic disabilities. Signages Books, Large Print, Sign Language and e-Text. Adaptive technology, alternative textbooks, and various learning aids to be given due attention and emphasis. Security Requirements Security of women and children in general and those with disabilities in particular needs utmost importance. Security standards have to 29
INNOVATION www.lxl.in motivate their children to aim high.be defined and adhered to. Security guards Advanced Science and Math educationshould be made available at all times around This is a neglected field and needs specificthe campus. Security guards who have cleared attention. Science and Math education is non-stringent background checks only to be hired. existent in high school education for peopleSpecial emergency beacons to be provided to with vision impairment. Tactile diagrams andchildren with disabilities so that in the event of Braille should be extensively used to bring inan unfortunate attack on their security they advanced science and math education for thecan immediately get the attention of visually impaired. Specially designed Labs toguards/people around them who can help be made available and technical assistancethem. Strict policy on Sexual Harassment provided for science classes. Adaptiveneeds to be in place with equally stringent technology, alternative textbooks, and variousenforcement rules. Police protection should be learning aids to be given special attention andavailable at the campus at all times. Buddy emphasis to make science and math educationsystem to be put in place so that every disabled available to all.child is checked on by a fully-abled “buddy”every hour or two. The buddy can be a friend as Building awareness of the needs of people withthe children grow older but need to be a female disabilityteacher in early childhood stages. Student bodies should be sensitised to the needs of people with disabilities. AwarenessFirst Aid and Emergency Response sessions should be conducted so as to educateFirst Aid and response to any injuries etc for all students and faculty about interacting withpeople with disabilities should be available on- children with various disabilities and the doscampus. Doctors on-call should be available at and dont's have to be clearly communicated.all times. Specially trained nurses should beavailable at all times on campus. Necessary Encouraging Sports and accessibility offirst aid equipment should be 'disabled' associated infrastructurefriendly. Necessary to promote active lifestyles among people with disabilities. Gym, swimming pool,Special Counselling support and other amenities should all be madeSpecifically trained counselling faculty should “accessible” to all. Include wheelchair sports,be made available for the needs of children and recreational programmes for people withwith disabilities. Special information sessions disabilities by making them accessible andand facility tours for parents of children with inclusive. I have discussed the matter in handdisabilities should be arranged. This builds at length and provided variousconfidence levels in parents and they in-turn recommendations for inclusion of people with disabilities in mainstream development specifically by means of building inclusive schools and colleges. It is broadly classified under eleven sub-headings as seen above. While implementing all of them together may be a practically daunting task, the same can be done with relative ease if taken up in a phased manner. 30 [email protected]
November 2017 Designing Great Schools Mr. Sachin ShettyMr. Sachin Shetty is the founder of INT- HAB, an architecture, and design studio in Bengaluru. The firm's name is a word-play of the term 'Intuitive Habitat' for Mr. Shetty believes that only the deepest involvement in the design of a building helps achieve excellence. A graduate from TheMalnad College of Engineering, Department of Architecture, Hassan, Karnataka, he also holds a PGD inConstruction Management, NICMAR, Pune. A decade of his professional excellence has been spent asone of the founders and principal architect of cube architects, Bangalore. He has been conferred with theYoung Architects Award in 2006, Archidesign Award for best hospitality project 2009, IIID Award forsmall commercial space interiors 2012 and Indian Concrete Institute Award for Well-built residentialbuilding award-2016. In addition to being an architect, he is also a passionate teacher.Introduction Context is an essential aspect of macrolevelA good and effective school design should focus planning. In most cases, concepts areon the infrastructure along with the education developed based on context i.e. focus on thecurriculum. Designing a school is currently location, topography, climatic aspects,restricted mostly to the classrooms in urban surroundings, local materials available,schools, it could be because of reasons like land supporting infrastructure available at the site.availability, budget etc. Listing these out helps in overall space allocation and conceptualising the built formIn the current scenario majority of the within the site.available space is used to provide a maximum“ Macrolevelnumber of classrooms with little or no focus onother activities. As our focus shifts toplanning or aqualitative education, it is necessary for thecampus design to incorporate the changing master planneeds and wants of the sector.Designing great schools is possible if the involves theplanning is divided into two levels- overall planning of the campus Macrolevel and Microlevel Focus Areas: At this stage focus is on aspectsThis helps us in phase wise development of the like- architectural style of the building withcampus as per the available budget. respect to the surrounding, making use of the existing vegetation on the site within the builtMacrolevel PlanningMacrolevel planning or a master plan involvesthe overall planning of the campus. 31
INNOVATION www.lxl.inform or surrounding it, safety measures, traffic doubles up as the seating gallery for theand non-traffic areas, secured and unsecured theatre. A transition space connecting the openareas, built vs unbuilt, orientation of the and the built space along with usage of localblocks with respect to climatic condition, open materials in the building design helps elevateand covered play areas. In my opinion, context the look and feel of the space.The lighting andplays a major role and drives the Architect to ventilation openings in the building design alsodesign a great space. need to be captured in the building designs. The chajja or the overhangs for the windows shouldMicrolevel Planning be designed in a way so as to create anOnce we have the master plan the focus then interesting shadow play on the external façade.shifts to microlevel planning. One should also use the local vegetation and materials in the building design along with theFocus Areas: This includes a detailed analysis landscape to deliver an aesthetic, economicalof each space, such as - spatial requirement, and sustainable building.usage of available material, type ofconstruction, style and special features ofarchitecture, finishes with respect to the wallsurface and floor, roof and openings such asdoors and windows, color and texture, thelandscape within the space.The design is further evolved considering thisanalysis and understanding the requirement asper the prescribed standards. It is importantfor the Architect to keep these standards inmind while designing and also analyse if thesestandards provide optimally designed area.Let us consider an example with regards to Photo Source: Mandara School Shimoga,designing of the classroom in the available designed by Architect Sachin Shetty. Thisspace. The classroom can be designed by project was recognized by A+D under “Youngproviding a formal reading area and an Architects Award 2006”informal area for activity, which is not part ofthe prescribed standard. It is equally Conclusionimportant to focus on other areas of school Well thought out design during macrolevel anddesign like- connecting formal and informal microlevel planning leads to an effectivearea, separating the classrooms based on the Campus Design which in turn has a positiveage group of the students, built vs unbuilt impact on student learning. The commonspaces, width of the staircase and the corridor factor in each of the Campus Design is thatarea to make it kid friendly, ramps for the every time the focus is on maximising scarcephysically challenged, transition spaces resources: value for money. This is where theconnecting two different areas or activity zone, ability of an Architect to make every projectplay of light and ventilation in each area. An have a big impact along with a futuristic designexample of an informal area of activity will be is critical.where the classroom corridor is connected tothe open-air theatre and the corridor also 32 [email protected]
MENTOR THOUGHTS www.lxl.in Safe Schools: The Need of the Hour Dr. Sagneet KaurThe recent incidents have shed light on one of and parents on safety protocols. For more thanthe major issues faced by schools today i.e. half of school prinicipals ensuringsafety of students in the school premises. infrastructural and physical safety of childrenThough everyone talks about it, still we are not was an iminent concern.able to come up with any concrete solution.Though Safety and Security are often used As our team pondered on this problem, weinterchangeably, they have a marginal realised that our work on making schools safedifference. Safety is about being protected and secure places to learn for all should befrom harm or any undesirable outcome while directed to answering these questions: WhatSecurity is the degree of protection from are the parameters that make up safe andharmful and undesirable condition. The safety secure environment? What are the appropriateconcerns in the school space is not only physical measures that school need to take in order tobut pyscho-social and emotional too. make schools safe for students? Who should implement these measure and how? Answering Emotional/Psychological these questions would enable us to come up Safety with practical workable solutions to the problem. Inside/Ouside Thus, an initiative by LXL Ideas to conduct a the school pan India research on understanding the present status of school safety began fewSocial Safety Physical Safety months back. The research aims to equip our school leaders and policy makers withAlso, safety is not limited to only safety within resources required to make informed decisionsschool premises but also outside the school’s on student safety and security. The results ofcompound. This requires a collaborative effort this research will be disclosed exclusively in theby principals, teachers, parents and students. “Mentor Conclave 2017” in Bangalore on 1 & 2 December, in a specially curated session onA research conducted by LXL Ideas on “School Safety”.identifying challenges faced by schools in 2017revealed that 79% of school principals in India Join us in this endeavour by filling a survey.accept safety and security to be one of the top Please write back to us at [email protected] forfive challenges faced by them. The data also sharing your views and recommendations onhighlighted that for majority of them creating making schools a safe learning place for all. Weemotionally safe environment in schools is the would be really happy to acknowledge yourbiggest challenge followed by training the staff valuable contributions. 33
MENTOR THOUGHTS [email protected] Implementing Change in Schools Kalpa Kartik, Editor-in-chief, Mentor Magazine, Director, LXL IdeasFor evolution to take place, change needs to learning. Faster the schools adapt to thishappen continuously in small steps. Similarly change among the children the better suitedto adapt and adjust to the changing they will be to cater to the needs of learning.educational climate, the schools of today needto keep pace with the times. As an advocate of There has to be a structured process tochange, the school needs to answer some basic innovation and change. Implementation needsquestions like to go hand in hand with regular feedback from all the stakeholders and including those inputs What are the prominent barriers hindering to the decision-making process. The key change in school functioning? factors that are leaders should keep in mind as a Who is the driving force behind managing decision maker are: the school? What are the desired student outcomes of A clarity on the intent and defining the the school system? targeted goals to change Mapping of goals with measurableToday, Principal’s role in “School Governance” objectives and a clear demarcation of rolesis relegated to policy implementation as and responsibilitiesagainst “Making the Policy”. In the capacity Consistent tracking of change andof managing daily functioning of schools, the analysing the data to enable continuousprincipal has the ability to frame policies that feedbackcan initiate change two-folds i.e. top-down and Ensuring a proper closure for all the ideasbottom-up. Our experienced administrators implemented for bringing changehold the potential to spark changes in theteaching-learning practises of the schools. Although the education sector has experiencedThese practises form the heart of all school significant changes in recent years and fearsfunctions and are pervasive across the have frequently been voiced about 'initiativecurriculum forming the root cause of majority overload' affecting staff motivation. Theof the problems faced by the schools today. question of how schools engage with change,Gone are the times when education was defined and manage change, is at the core.by a learning based purely on knowledge. Understanding and Implementing Change inChildren today have moved beyond knowledge Schools is not limited to leadership positionsand concrete learning to an abstract based but has become everybody's job.To subscribe or to contribute articles please contact 34
Be a part of 5th EDITION of our quest to Identify, Inspire and Empower School Leaders who are Rediscovering Education The conclave will explain the concept of Safe School, help transform the way you Think, unravel the puzzle that Kids are, prepare schools for Legal Challenges, give an in-depth knowledge about the Best Industry HR & Media practises and a chance to understand Collaborative Leadership Details on www.mentor.lxl.in, To register call +91 9019111110 or email [email protected]&2Questioning &Co-CreatingEducation
wþ×őÁw͗Ć͗GĆŜ̵wþ×őÁw͗Ģú͗ĆÁ͒Ĕ̵IKFFI enables schools togo beyond textbooklearning. It teacheschildren the ‘Intangibles’of modern society thatneed context and content25+ Countries100+ Movies6 Days MZ<XM3ZDOM3K D;Y DKLA<YZD`3K LXL Ideas the makers of School Cinema in associationwith the French Embassy, Culture House of Iran &Children’s Film Festival Seattle gives you an opportunityto independently host a film festival in your schoolpremises. Register Now & bring the best of worldcinema to your school.www.lxl.in +919019111110 [email protected]
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