Reopening Of Schools In Punjab: Strategies And Suggestions

TMS Team May 20, 2020

1 11 3 minutes read

SCHOOL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Survey on SED Response to COVID-19 School Strategy:

Reopening Of Schools In Punjab:Due to existing crisis of COVID-1 9, SED Punjab is trying to reach out to major stakeholders to find out their views on the following in terms of safe reopening of schools and strategies to follow. It is given that one size doesn’t fit all; we cannot have one solution applicable for all schools. Hence to improvise, we can pilot few strategies in certain schools while the others can run according to plan.

Here’s what we have proposed & would like your suggestions on it:

Reopening Of Schools In Punjab:The following thematic areas:

1:Safe reopening of schools:

With data analysis from National COVID-19 website, to open schools in districts and tehsils where cases are lesser
In case of more cases, pilot with secondary & higher secondary classes only.
Collaboration & coordination with local health authorities.
Prior & Post opening- thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
Prior opening- staff and teachers-trained on operating procedures and orient parent committees.
Use an SMS campaign weeks prior to schools opening
PR campaign- School cleanliness & safety procedures.
Teacher’s Unions & Stakeholders on board
Students trained on-social distancing, washing hands upon arrival to school, during school, and upon departure.
Screening & management of sick students, teachers & other school staff.
Daily screening for body temperature, and history of fever or feeling feverish in the previous 24 hours – all staff, students and visitors.
If a child or school staff is sick, she/he should not come to school.

Academics:

Increase desk spacing
Stagger classes and recesses/breaks for High Schools.
Higher Secondary and Secondary (Grades 9-12) classes Scheduled thrice a week-Given Homework & Taleem Ghar/TeleSchool.
Elementary Classes (Grades 6,7 and 8) twice a week- given homework- Taleem Ghar/TeleSchool.
lll. Primary– (Grades ECE, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) scheduled twice a week or in the afternoon- Given Homework & Taleem Ghar/TeleSchool.
PHASE 1: Only piloted in TEHSIL HEADQUARTERS- Single Elementary & Primary Schools- Based on enrollment staggered classes- Given Homework & Taleem Ghar/TeleSchool.
PHASE 2: To be opened all over the Tehsil- Single Elementary & Primary Schools- Based on enrollment staggered classes- Given Homework & Taleem Ghar/TeleSchool.
Mobile Vans- Piloted in areas with no access to Television for Primary students.
Expand high-school timetable, with some students and teachers attending in the morning, others in the afternoon, others in the evening
Move classrooms outdoors under a kanatltent and fans (for warmer areas).
Ensure the admissions open for Grades 9th and 6th

3:Pre-Training for staff

Teachers’ training prior to opening- Health Department to facilitate.
Pre-Trainings to be conducted through the AEOs (Primary & Elementary), Vigilance Committee & cluster Heads for Secondary Schools & DEAs.
Support teachers to coordinate and track learning.

Learning from Home

Produce and distribute learning materials, including through radio and television
Tele-Schooling (Taleem Ghar)- Distance learning. (e.g. blended methods, radio or TV Broadcasts of lessons, buddy system for homework with older siblings at home, or with friends by telephone).
Taleem Ghar channel & App will start more subjects & give homework

MOBILE VANS

1) Mobile Classroom vans to be piloted in remote rural areas for Primary or Elementary School students.
2) Coordination done with DEAs, Assistant Commissioners and local District Administration.
3) Teachers go to mohallas or Municipal Centres with safe distancing seating plan.
4) Let the children come and watch a puppet show, drawing competition,singing, debates or movie- time
5) Followed by a coordinated class of an hour, which includes the SLO learning approach.
6) Distribute a list of creative and practical activities that can be done at home, with a feedback form.