Karnataka: Offline attendance mandatory in some private schools

Private unaided schools that otherwise gave leeway to parents previously by offering hybrid learning are now mandating students to attend in-person classes post-Diwali from November 8. 

 

In a discreet fashion, not issuing official circulars, private unaided schools across Bengaluru have sent a word to parents that offline teaching-learning will be suspended in those classes with a higher percentage of parents opting for in-person classes.  

 

 Most elite private schools that have invested heavily in purchasing technology and gadget for online education have not commenced offline classes citing that parents are unwilling to give consent to send their child to campus. In stark contrast to this where budget private schools barely pulled along with minimal technology, intervention have mandated a return to campus. 

 

Radhika (name changed), parent of a class 5 student studying in a Co-ed CISCE affiliated school in Vijaynagar said that students have been mandated to come to school since November 8. “The school’s official circular read that offline classes would continue. However, the class teacher personally communicated to parents that attending in-person classes is mandatory. We were told that the school has seen good response for in-person classes and will hence, shift back to the conventional way of teaching. 

 

“Out of a class strength of 35 students in class 5, 27 have opted for offline classes according to the teacher, While the government circular clearly indicates that it is not mandatory, schools doing this are unacceptable for parents. Not all of us are confident to send our children to school before vaccination” she said.

 

Venkatesh S Ayachit, teacher, from another CBSE private school in Cholanayakanahalli, Hebbal, said that out of 24 students in class 7, 20 have opted for the online option and that only in-person classes option will be provided for students across age groups starting Monday. 

 

“We commenced only-offline classes in October post-Navratri for classes 7 to 10. The response has been welcoming. We are looking at working on the same lines for the lower classes as well. From Monday onwards, there is no online option even for the lower classes,” he said.