13 more districts to get model schools in 2023-24

CHENNAI: To coach students on competitive exams like NEET and JEE, the School Education Department (SED) has decided to start model schools in 13 districts for the upcoming academic year 2023-24. Currently, there are model schools already functioning in 25 districts under SED.

Subsequently, to fill up the vacancies in model schools across all 38 districts, the department has decided to depute over 230 post graduate teachers, selected through Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB). And, the department has released a list of proposed postings in the respective district model schools.

A model school teacher said, “After the proposed list was released, the department has sought teachers’ consent to confirm the postings. However, we don’t know the names of 13 new districts to have model schools coming in the next academic year. For deputation, teachers are given adequate training to further excel students who are academically performing well. Besides regular classes, students will be given coaching for competitive exams like National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and Joint Entrance Exam (JEE), among others.”

According to sources, the department started 10 model schools in 2021-22 followed by 15 in 2022-23 and 13 for 2023-24. And as per the regulations, each district is planned to have a model school catering to academically high performing students.

Meanwhile, the department is conducting training programmes for over 1,000 model school teachers in Hosur region of Krishnagiri district. It started on April 8.

“The training called ‘Kalaisei Sirupi’ has completed 3 batches so far. During the overall 5-batch training, teachers will be equipped with skills to teach both academics and arts,” said a teacher undergoing training.

Meanwhile, the TN model schools held a baseline assessment for students on March 4 across the State. This drew wide criticisms from stakeholders who questioned the need behind it. Additionally, setting up the model schools was also called against the DMK’s Samacheer Kalvi system, educationalists alleged.