DSEK starts 'on demand' winter tutorials to mitigate learning gaps

Srinagar Dec 31: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has decided to start "on demand" winter tutorials and winter camps to mitigate the learning gaps among students.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Director School Education Kashmir G N Itoo said the initiative was demand-driven and the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) have been asked to start winter tutorials and camps wherever needed as per norms.

"The guidelines for this initiative were issued a few years ago, and the same have been reiterated and need to be followed wherever needed as per norms," G N Itoo told Greater Kashmir.

He said the demands were coming from so many areas to start the winter tutorials and camps.

"So, in wake of the demands, the concerned CEOs have been asked to go ahead accordingly as per norms. We have already started it in many years," G. N. Itoo said.

In wake of this, CEO Kupwara has issued an order citing that the verbal directions have been issued by the DSEK regarding the operationalisation of winter tutorials, as was in vogue during previous years, which serve as remedial classes for the students.

"As such, all the heads of institutions are advised to operate these winter tutorials for classes 3rd to 10th in their respective institutions," the order reads

It reads that winter camps for 3rd to 10th classes and out-of-school children will be established as per the need and availability of "promising teachers."

"The camps shall be established in a centrally located or accessible middle, high, and higher secondary schools having adequate infrastructure as per the need and availability of promising teachers," the order reads.

The heads of the schools have been asked to take consent and deceleration from the parents for enrolling students in these winter initiatives.

"As far as possible, the centres will be established in a place where there is demand for such a facility from the students or teachers. The scheduled timing for these centers will be 11am to 3pm," it reads.

The order reads that the staff members will remain present in these centers for full scheduled time while DCRGs, BCRGs and CRCs will grant academic support to the program and guide teachers about the remedial teaching.

"The heads of the institutions where these winter tutorials are established shall ensure seating, heating, and other facilities for the students," the order reads.