Letter from the Editor
The promotion of EducationWorld five years ago coincided with the establishment of several new genre ‘international’ schools across the country which generated considerable excitement not only in middle class India which has always valued quality education highly, but also in the offices of this first-of-its-type publication. The first dozen or so issues of EducationWorld featured cover stories on several of these schools which have set new standards and benchmarks in secondary education.
It is possible — indeed probable — that the new crop of international or five-star schools whose promotion also coincided with the liberalisation and globalisation of the Indian economy shackled for over four decades by moribund socialism, are a reaction to the traditional old British style public schools characterised by cold showers and corporal punishment. In sharp contrast the new international schools which levy chasteningly high (by Indian standards) tuition and residence fees, offer fully wired classrooms, upscale residential accommodation and sports and games facilities on a par with the best worldwide. However a decade after they wowed India’s newly-emergent post-liberalisation middle class, murmurs of disaffection are being heard from parents, students, faculty and sociologists about the morals and mores of nexgen international schools. Their managements are being accused of several sins of omission and commission including lack of academic focus, imitating five star hotel culture, neglecting value education and parental involvement, and encouraging conspicuous consumption.
On the other hand there’s no gainsaying that with their high aspirations, adoption of globally accepted best teaching-learning practices and pursuit of excellence, nexgen international schools have set new standards and benchmarks for secondary education in India. Moreover cashing in on contemporary India’s advantage as a nation with perhaps the largest English-speaking population in the world, many of these schools are living up to their international description and attracting students from abroad and could well re-establish this country as a global education hub.
Nevertheless there is undoubtedly some substance in the criticism and charges levelled against managements of these new genre schools. Therefore a decade after the first pioneer education entrepreneurs or edupreneurs made their impact on the nation’s school education system, this is a good time for them to introspect, take stock and make mid-course corrections. Our cover story written by assistant editor Summiya Yasmeen which features the opinions of a plethora of education experts, provides valuable insights to school promoters, managers and teachers.
Likewise our special report feature written by Mumbai correspondent Gaver Chatterjee beams a powerful spotlight on the causes and effects of the disturbing phenomenon of youth violence which is sweeping the country.
Moreover the supplementary news stories and opinion columns in this year-end issue are particularly informative and insightful and worth checking out. Meanwhile Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!
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