It's that time of year again! Another RTE drive; this time, CBSE-style.
Historically, CBSE schools have gotten somewhat of a free pass from following the Right to Education: they were not under the State governance umbrella, most of the press attention has been during matriculation drives in April, and their admissions window is chronically short and difficult.
On the last point, we've encountered an unusual hurdle that we've not anticipated--online applications. Two schools mandate printing and filling out their school applications that have been specially marked as "RTE." This differs from filling out and personally submitting the usual standardized government-issued applications. It's also problematic because parents have just two days in which to download and complete these documents. Prior to these two days, parents have no access to admissions information. One might think that approaching the school and asking about admissions would prove fruitful, but many parents with whom we've spoken have been met with a mere, "it's all online; look there" from the watchman.
Online applications also pose the usual barriers to low-income groups, such as the lack of internet access and inability to read/understand English. Absent intervention from outside groups such as NGOs, it seems only those from a more privileged background (financially or otherwise) would be able to navigate this confusing landscape.
Online applications with last-minute information sharing also creates inordinate hurdles for the NGOs trying to assist the parents. For example, we anticipated turning in physical documents and government applications. With online applications, we have just two days to coordinate application intake. Moreover, because we will not even be able to see the application and required details until Monday, we cannot prep the parents with what info will be necessary. As of right now, we do not know if we can physically print the online school applications or if we have to send the information via the internet. We do not know if receipts will be issued, or what to expect as it pertains to confirmation of intake.
Age requirements have also been problematic. According to the Joint Director of CBSE, schools must follow state mandate. Our understanding based on thorough readings of government orders distributed on the Tamil Nadu Dept of Education's website reveal a "3 by July 31st" mandate. Upon approaching schools we were informed that the requirements have now become "3 by January 1st" rule. From where and how this was distributed remains a mystery. Because we want to work within the parameters of the school's wishes and we have some degree of advance notice, we will ensure applications meet this standard.
Historically, CBSE schools have gotten somewhat of a free pass from following the Right to Education: they were not under the State governance umbrella, most of the press attention has been during matriculation drives in April, and their admissions window is chronically short and difficult.
On the last point, we've encountered an unusual hurdle that we've not anticipated--online applications. Two schools mandate printing and filling out their school applications that have been specially marked as "RTE." This differs from filling out and personally submitting the usual standardized government-issued applications. It's also problematic because parents have just two days in which to download and complete these documents. Prior to these two days, parents have no access to admissions information. One might think that approaching the school and asking about admissions would prove fruitful, but many parents with whom we've spoken have been met with a mere, "it's all online; look there" from the watchman.
Online applications also pose the usual barriers to low-income groups, such as the lack of internet access and inability to read/understand English. Absent intervention from outside groups such as NGOs, it seems only those from a more privileged background (financially or otherwise) would be able to navigate this confusing landscape.
Online applications with last-minute information sharing also creates inordinate hurdles for the NGOs trying to assist the parents. For example, we anticipated turning in physical documents and government applications. With online applications, we have just two days to coordinate application intake. Moreover, because we will not even be able to see the application and required details until Monday, we cannot prep the parents with what info will be necessary. As of right now, we do not know if we can physically print the online school applications or if we have to send the information via the internet. We do not know if receipts will be issued, or what to expect as it pertains to confirmation of intake.
Age requirements have also been problematic. According to the Joint Director of CBSE, schools must follow state mandate. Our understanding based on thorough readings of government orders distributed on the Tamil Nadu Dept of Education's website reveal a "3 by July 31st" mandate. Upon approaching schools we were informed that the requirements have now become "3 by January 1st" rule. From where and how this was distributed remains a mystery. Because we want to work within the parameters of the school's wishes and we have some degree of advance notice, we will ensure applications meet this standard.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.