Kalahandi, YNN (Rajat Bansal): Schools in Kalahandi, Odisha, organised Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) on 10th August 2024 to enhance collaboration between educators and parents, focusing on student development and academic achievement. These meetings involved parents, teachers, and administrators discussing academic progress, behavioural development, and the creation of supportive environments both at home and at school.
During the PTMs, several key points were addressed. Teachers provided feedback on students’ performance, highlighting areas for improvement and setting goals for the next term. Discussions also covered the mental and emotional health of students, including stress management, peer pressure, and the impacts of social media. Strategies to increase parental involvement in school activities and the monitoring of children’s progress were encouraged. Additionally, parents offered feedback on school policies, with assurances that feasible suggestions would be considered.
These PTMs aim to bridge the gap between parents and teachers, ensuring comprehensive student support. Hemanta Kumar Bag, Headmaster at Govt. High School Kesinga, emphasised the importance of open dialogue, stating, “Today’s PTM fostered open dialogue. We are committed to partnering with parents to help students reach their full potential.” Anand Kumar Behera, Block Education Officer of Kesinga Block, added, “The first and most important school is home. If parents are coming together to understand the needs, then change is coming soon.”
The Piramal Foundation for Education and Leadership team played a significant role in this process by orienting 377 Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) on PTMs and leveraging the process across the district with the help of block-level and district-level officers. Priyanka, a member of the organisation, shared, “To understand the challenges and the mindset of students, this is the best opportunity. For a child’s best growth, it is really important that we become compassionate and try to understand them. If the relationship between teachers, students, and parents is strong, it will create a greater impact on the ecosystem of education.”
The next PTM is planned for the end of the term to review progress.
