The association said unauthorised assessments could lead to misleading reports about school facilities and students’ learning levels. Pune : The Maharashtra State Primary Teachers’ Association has appealed to state govt to prevent private organisations and NGOs from entering govt-run primary schools to conduct surveys without verified official permission.
Teachers must remain alert and ensure that no organisation is allowed to interfere in school functioning without proper authorisation,” Kombe said. Somnath Dhas, a teacher at a zilla parishad school, said, “Schools should cooperate with genuine educational assessments, but the purpose of the survey and the authority under which it is being conducted must be clear. Sainath Dombale, another ZP school teacher, said, “If a survey is meant to assess learning outcomes, the methodology and the agency conducting it should be known to the school.
“Several organisations, with a few honourable exceptions, have been maligning local body-run primary schools for years and gaining publicity through such reports. Teachers cannot be expected to share student or school information with an organisation whose credentials have not been verified. Reports prepared without adequate context can create a misleading picture of students’ abilities and the facilities available in govt schools.”
In a letter addressed to state govt, school heads and teachers, the association asked school authorities to verify permission letters with supervisory or senior administrative officials before allowing outside organisations to conduct surveys, collect school-related information or carry out educational activities on campus.