In recent years, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has been striving to enhance the quality of education. In a major initiative aimed at bringing much needed reforms in the school education and to create greater linkages between various stakeholders for quality education, School Clusters were formulated by government (order No.2173-JK(Edu) of 2022) across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as per the provisions of the New Education Policy 2020.The concept of School Complexes/Clusters originated from the Kothari Commission Report and the same has been illustrated in Chapter 7 of the NEP-2020, the basic concept of which is “EFFICIENT RESOURCES AND EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE ”.
The concept is thought to be an important innovation in the school education based on the fact that High and Higher Secondary Schools have better facilities related to technology and human resource that can be utilized by the adjoining Primary and Upper primary Schools. The School Complex/Cluster will ensure adequate number of teachers through proper rationalization of the teaching staff, use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to conduct virtual classes; adequate resources such as library, science labs, computer labs, skill labs, playgrounds, sports equipment and other facilities across School Complexes. Moreover, the initiative will ensure sense of community through joint professional development programmes.
This innovative model can transform the educational landscape in J&K by promoting collaboration, resource sharing, and professional development among schools, ultimately benefiting the students and the entire education system.
One of the primary advantages of the cluster/complex formulation in J&K is the promotion of resource efficiency. By consolidating schools into clusters or complexes, the education department can optimize the use of resources such as infrastructure, teaching staff, and learning materials. This approach ensures that resources are utilized more effectively, leading to a more sustainable and equitable distribution of educational facilities and personnel. It also facilitates the pooling of expertise and best practices, allowing schools within the cluster/complex to benefit from each other’s strengths and address common challenges collectively.
Moreover, the cluster/complex formulation encourages collaborative learning and professional development among teachers. By bringing educators from different schools together, this model creates opportunities for knowledge sharing, peer support, and the exchange of teaching methodologies. As a result, teachers are exposed to diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to instruction, which can greatly enrich their pedagogical skills and ultimately benefit the students. Additionally, professional training programs can be organized more efficiently within the clusters, offering teachers access to specialized training and continuous improvement opportunities.
Another significant advantage of the cluster/complex formulation is the promotion of holistic growth and development of students. By facilitating the sharing of extracurricular and co-curricular activities among schools within the cluster, students are exposed to a wider range of opportunities for participation in sports, cultural events, and other enrichment activities. This not only fosters a sense of community and collaboration among students but also promotes their overall personality development and well-rounded education. Furthermore, the pooling of resources allows for the provision of better facilities and access to specialized programs, such as vocational training and career guidance, which can enhance students’ prospects for future success.
Academically, the cluster/complex formulation will have a positive impact on student performance and learning outcomes. By leveraging the collective expertise of teachers and resources within the cluster, schools will be able to implement innovative teaching strategies, tailored interventions, and academic support programs to address the needs of diverse learners. This will result in improved academic achievement, decreased dropout rates, and a more inclusive approach to education, particularly benefiting students from marginalized communities or those with special learning needs. Additionally, the sharing of best practices and resources will help schools to adopt standardized assessment and evaluation mechanisms, leading to more accurate tracking of student progress and targeted interventions to support their academic growth. As per the policy, schools will be graded at the end of every academic session as per the school Performance Index.
Furthermore, the cluster/complex formulation has enhanced the administrative efficiency of the school education department in J&K. By consolidating administrative functions and decision-making processes within the clusters, the department has been able to streamline operations, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and implement policies and initiatives more effectively. This has resulted in better governance, improved monitoring of school performance, and enhanced accountability, ultimately leading to a more responsive and agile education system that can adapt to the evolving needs of students and educators.
In addition to the tangible benefits, the cluster/complex formulation will foster a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility among schools, parents, and the community at large. Through regular interactions and meetings within the clusters, stakeholders have been able to voice their concerns, contribute to decision-making processes, and participate in the shaping of educational policies and practices. This inclusive approach has strengthened the bond between schools and their communities, leading to greater parental engagement, improved school climate, and a sense of ownership and pride in the local education system.
It is important to recognize that while the cluster/complex formulation has demonstrated numerous advantages, it also presents certain challenges and requires ongoing support and investment. For example, effective communication and coordination among schools within the cluster are essential to ensure the smooth implementation of collaborative programs and activities. Moreover, equitable resource allocation and access to opportunities must be ensured across all schools within the cluster, avoiding disparities or favoritism. Additionally, continuous professional development and capacity-building initiatives are crucial to empower teachers and administrators within the clusters to adapt to changing educational paradigms and emerging needs.
In an attempt to take the cluster/complex system forward, the government has recently launched a serious initiative to strengthen the cluster system. The new administrative secretary of the school education department Dr Piyush singla has issued strict directions to implement the relevant government order in letter and spirit. Director school education Kashmir Dr Tassaduq Hussain Mir and additional secretary SED Gh Nabi Bhat have initiated field visits and a series of meetings have been taken with cluster heads and chief Education officers of different districts. The government wants to create a better monitoring system in order to ensure better outcomes which can be gauged by school performance index, an effective tool to assess the performance of the Institutions in different clusters.
The cluster/complex formulation in the J&K school education department can be a transformative model with multifaceted advantages that can significantly contributed to academic improvement in the schools.
(Author is a Freelance writer columnist and academician and can be reached at [email protected])
