The article discusses the Shradha program, a new initiative by the Directorate of Public Instruction in Kerala. The program focuses on addressing the individual academic needs of students in classes three, five, and eight. Instead of punishing students for poor performance, Shradha provides individualized instruction and support from qualified teachers to help struggling students. The program is built on the belief that every child has the potential to learn and succeed, but some may require additional support. Early intervention is a key component of Shradha, aiming to identify and address learning difficulties promptly to prevent students from falling behind. The article highlights the positive impact of the program, with students in a pilot study showing significant academic improvement. It's important to note that high expectations from families and the inability to cope with criticism or failure can lead to student anxiety. The article also mentions the pressure on teachers and schools to follow the curriculum, with parents often judging schools based on the academic performance of students in grade 12 and 10. The Shradha program offers hope by providing struggling students the support they need to reach their full potential and emphasizing the importance of early intervention in addressing learning difficulties.
