Samagra Shiksha Nagaland call for stronger parental engagement in early education

A recent survey conducted by Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland, has brought to light the critical need for increased parental involvement in the foundational stage of education within the state’s government schools. The survey, which gathered responses from 72% of the 1,764 government schools providing foundational education, highlighted the moderate but insufficient levels of parental engagement, revealing both the challenges and opportunities in fostering stronger partnerships between schools and families.

The foundational stage, as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, consists of five crucial years, including two years of pre-primary (LKG and UKG) and Classes 1 and 2. In Nagaland, government schools play a pivotal role in providing this early education, with an enrollment of 52,805 children (UDISE 2023-24). However, the survey results show that despite various initiatives, parental engagement remains limited, which can hinder a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development during these formative years.

One of the major indicators of parental involvement is attendance at Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs). The survey revealed that approximately 72% of schools hold PTMs once a quarter, while only 13% conduct them on a monthly basis. Although PTMs are a vital platform for communication between teachers and parents, only 17% of schools reported consistently high attendance, with 76% to 100% of parents participating regularly. On the other hand, 42% of school heads indicated that less than half of the parents attend PTMs, pointing to a gap in engagement.

While parental attendance at PTMs is moderate, the survey findings show a clear link between greater parental involvement and improved student performance. Around 78% of respondents observed moderate to significant improvements in student learning outcomes when parents are more involved in their child’s education. Moreover, 50% of participants believe that parental engagement is highly effective in enhancing students’ academic progress and overall behavior.

Despite these positive outcomes, many schools face barriers that prevent higher levels of parental involvement. Time constraints were identified as the leading challenge, with 73.5% of respondents citing this issue. Other factors such as a lack of interest (37.3%), socio-economic challenges (25.6%), and language barriers (9.4%) also contribute to the limited participation of parents.

To tackle these challenges, according to the report, some schools have begun implementing creative solutions aimed at fostering stronger school-family partnerships. Approximately 28% of schools offer workshops or sessions designed to help parents support their child’s learning at home. These workshops provide guidance on foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN), helping parents become more active participants in their child’s educational journey. Encouragingly, 37% of school heads expressed a desire to introduce similar programs in the future, indicating a growing awareness of the importance of parental engagement.

It said that the state government has also taken steps to improve early education outcomes through various initiatives. The Nagaland Literacy and Numeracy Fest (NLNF), a flagship program under the state’s educational reforms, has been instrumental in addressing gaps in foundational learning. This year, the NLNF includes guided projects for teachers and school heads that focus on innovative pedagogical practices and methods to increase parental participation, particularly in the foundational years.

School heads are encouraged to use PTMs not only as a platform to discuss academic progress but also to involve parents in meaningful conversations about their child’s dreams, challenges, and future aspirations. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between home and school, ensuring that parents play an active role in their child’s education.

Recognizing the importance of regular and meaningful engagement, Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland, has announced plans to organize a Mega PTM across all government schools with foundational stages as part of the Nagaland Literacy and Numeracy Fest 2.0. This large-scale initiative aims to bring parents, teachers, and school administrators together, providing an opportunity for parents to better understand their child’s educational needs and the role they play in supporting their progress.

“In Nagaland, the government is actively working to strengthen the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) program and the role of parents has never been more critical. Despite the unique challenges faced by many families in the region, the active involvement of parents in the foundational stage can significantly enhance the learning outcomes of young children,” the report stated.

MT