As Covid cases hit schools, Telangana govt allows online classes

HYDERABAD: Barely a week after the Talangana government urged parents to send their kids to school, it has done a U-turn and directed all institutions to allow students to attend online classes.

Since the schools reopened for in-person classes, at least three institutions have been closed after teachers and students tested positive for Covid-19. Five teachers and five students from Bhadradri Kothagudem and Mulugu have tested positive in the last week.

On Tuesday, four teachers and six students from Mulugu district tested positive, forcing authorities to shut the institution and begin sanitising operation.

The education department has said that no penalty would be imposed in case a child does not attend school or offline classes. Authorities also released standard operating procedure (SOP) following the high court’s direction.

All headmasters have been directed to focus on preparing students for classroom interaction, especially slow learners, by designing a bridge course for them.

‘Create learner-friendly school environment’

Create learner-friendly school and classroom environment,” read the SOPs released to headmasters from A Sridevasena, director of school education. The teachers have been directed to prepare for teaching in the classroom as well as follow-up of students studying from home through online mode. They were also asked to address concerns of children with special needs along with other children.

Schools were asked to devote a period to sensitize students and train them on Covid-19 safety to spread awareness among their parents and families about Covid appropriate behaviour such as wearing masks, hand sanitization, and following social distancing.

The director of school education said that assembly, group work, games will not be permitted until further orders. The SOPs also include thoroughly disinfecting classrooms daily and all frequently touched objects to be properly sanitized, project work, assignments to be done at home under the guidance of teachers and parents.

Reference: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/as-covid-cases-hit-schools-telangana-govt-allows-online-classes/articleshow/86025503.cms