Inclusive Learning: A case of Odisha

An inclusive public education system can greatly further the cause of development and provide for good governance & social justice.

Background of the case

• Education, as a fundamental human right, must be accessible and affordable to all sections of society for true inclusive development. Despite this, a study by IIM Ahmedabad’s Right to Education Resource Center revealed a prevailing lack of trust in government schools due to concerns about the quality of education.
• In a groundbreaking move, the Odisha government has embarked on revolutionary reforms in the state’s public education sector, aiming to surpass private schools in infrastructure, affordability, and quality.

Issues and challenges in Public Education system

• Lack of trust in government schools.
• Poor quality of education at government schools.
• Lack of infra.
• Lack of training and capacity building of Teachers and staff.
• Poor teacher-student ratios.
• Poor compliances
• Poor learning outcomes
• Lack of innovation in Pedagogy and Mentorship
• Lack of Inclusivity and equity in school education setup in general and in public schools in particular.

Initiatives by Odisha -

OdishaAdarshaVidyalayas (OAV):

• The Education World India School Rankings 2022-23 has recognized OAVs in Polasara block of Ganjam district as the fifth-best in the government-run day school category.
• This model addresses admission challenges faced by students, offering secondary stage admissions to bridge gaps left by other institutions.
• With 315 English medium co-ed OAVs in rural and semi-urban areas, the initiative ensures accessible, qualitative, and affordable English-medium education.
• The OAV model prioritizes social equity, with reservations for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and female students.
• Notably, it has successfully rescued and prepared vulnerable children for OAV entrance exams, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity

Alumni Connect: Mo School Abhiyan:

• Launched in 2017, the Mo School Abhiyan connects schools with alumni, fostering mentorship and collaboration.
• Alumni contribute to the transformation of government schools through the School Adoption Programme (SAP), resulting in significant financial contributions exceeding ?797 crore in 40,855 schools.
• This alumni-driven initiative spans over 33,000 schools, engaging more than six lakh alumni members.
• The Mo School Abhiyan's five-pillar approach — connect, collaborate, contribute, create, and celebrate — creates a strong network that enhances infrastructure, exposure, and overall development for students.

5T-High School Transformation Programme:

• Rooted in the 5T concept — transparency, technology, teamwork, and timeliness — the 5T-High School Transformation Programme, launched in 2021, focuses on adopting educational technology for holistic school development.
• Smart and digital classrooms, e-libraries, modern science laboratories, improved sanitation facilities, and sports facilities, the programme has transformed 6,872 high schools at a cost of ?3,411 crore. Prioritizing inclusivity, the programme provides assistive devices and tailored teaching-learning materials for specially-abled children.

Results and Outcomes

Unprecedented Shift in Enrolment Patterns:

• In 2019-20, private schools enrolled 16,05,000 students, a number that dwindled to 14,62,000 in 2021-22.
• Currently, 81% of students in the state are studying in government schools.
• The Odisha government has created a robust legacy of an education model founded on equality and excellence, treating education as a public good in essence and spirit.

Odisha's comprehensive approach to public education is a testament to its commitment to making education inclusive, accessible, and of the highest quality. The state's innovative initiatives are paving the way for a transformative educational landscape that prioritizes equality and excellence for all.