Quality education in secondary schools of Tribal districts of Odisha in the context of Samagra shiksha abhiyan

Abstract

XXII newlineAbstract newlineSamagra Shiksha Abhiyan is an integrated centrally sponsored scheme regarding school education that combines Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education. The common objectives of all the schemes are to enhance access through the expansion of quality school education; promote equity through the inclusion of disadvantaged groups and weaker sections, and improve the quality of education for all. These programs addressed several major gaps in the school education system and have significantly contributed to laying a strong foundation for an equitable school education system in the country. newlineThe study was undertaken to conduct a status survey of infrastructure facilities for students and employees available in secondary schools, to address the equity and inclusive issues in terms of enrolment, retention, and achievement, to find out the classroom transaction process, and to make in-depth studies of selected secondary schools in tribal areas. The triangulation method, i.e., survey and case study method, is used for the present research. Multistage sampling was used for selecting 50 secondary schools, and the purposive sampling technique was used for selecting five schools for case studies from five blocks under five districts of Odisha (i.e., Rayagada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri). Self-developed tools such as Questionnaire-cum-Checklist, Classroom Observation Schedule, and Interview Schedule for HMs, Teachers, Parents, Focus Group Discussions for students, and school records were used for data collection. The quantitative techniques for data analysis include frequency and percentage analysis. Qualitative datawere analyzed manually using M.S. Word, coding and interpreting the data systematically. newlineThe findings of the study revealed that the overall profile of the secondary schools of tribal districts of Odisha is in critical conditions such as over-loaded classrooms in the majority of the schools, more than 5kms distance of schools from