In a unique grassroots initiative to improve academic performance, the Block Education Officer (BEO) of Aland taluk in Kalaburagi district has begun personally visiting students at their homes during evening hours. This direct intervention aims to tackle the issue of last-minute preparation and boost the overall SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) results in the region.
The Motivation Behind the Doorstep Guidance
V Rangaswamy Shetty, the BEO of Aland, decided to take the SSLC results as a personal challenge after the taluk's performance was recorded as very low in the previous academic year. Recognizing that many students begin serious exam preparation only when the tests are imminent, he launched this proactive campaign of evening visits to villages.
The initiative saw its first major gathering in Kinnisultan village on a Sunday at 8 PM, where Shetty met with 20 students and their parents. The core message was clear: students must start their preparation early, and parents must create a home atmosphere conducive to studying.
A Collaborative Effort for Student Success
During these visits, Rangaswamy Shetty is not alone. He is accompanied by the headmaster of the respective school, subject teachers, and the SSLC nodal officer, forming a support team that addresses both academic and environmental hurdles. Parents have responded positively, assuring officials that they will provide a positive atmosphere by not engaging their children in other work and minimizing distractions like television and mobile phones during study time.
The BEO has committed to continuing these visits two days every week. The guidance provided is practical, focusing on how to study effectively and plan revision schedules well in advance of the exams.
Scale of the Challenge and Supporting Measures
The scale of the task is significant. Aland taluk has a total of 100 high schools, comprising 49 government schools, 11 aided schools, and 40 private institutions. For the current academic year, approximately 6,700 students are slated to appear for the SSLC examinations from this taluk alone.
To complement the home visits, a parallel effort is underway within the schools. Rangaswamy Shetty has organized detailed subject-based training for teachers, instructing them on optimal methods to prepare students for the board exams. Teachers have also been directed to conduct extra classes for two hours each in the morning and evening to provide additional academic support.
This multi-pronged strategy, combining community engagement, parental involvement, and enhanced teacher training, represents a comprehensive attempt to elevate educational outcomes in Aland taluk. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges in secondary education.
