66 govt schools in Udupi, DK embrace English medium education!

Mangaluru: In a proactive move to enhance educational opportunities, the Karnataka government has approved the introduction of English medium classes alongside existing Kannada medium instruction in 66 government schools along the coastal belt, starting this academic year.

This initiative marks a significant expansion, with 30 new English medium classes inaugurated in Dakshina Kannada district and 36 in Udupi district. Currently, English medium classes are operational in 82 government schools in Dakshina Kannada and 45 in Udupi, bringing the total number of schools offering English medium education to 193 across the region.

To ensure effective implementation, the government will identify teachers proficient in English and provide them with specialized training. The initiative also includes procuring necessary textbooks and electronic content to support the teaching and learning process, which will emphasize interactive activities beyond traditional textbook methods.

The decision to introduce English medium classes follows a policy shift initiated from the academic year 2019-20, allowing bilingual education alongside Kannada medium in 1,000 government schools statewide. This year alone, permissions have been granted to 1,419 schools across Karnataka, leveraging local resources to support the transition.

However, challenges persist, particularly regarding teacher readiness amidst existing shortages. The government acknowledges the strain on teachers and emphasizes the need for existing faculty to adapt to teaching in English medium. Concerns have been raised about the efficacy of current training programs in fully preparing teachers for this transition.

Furthermore, the government has instructed schools with more than 75 students to introduce bilingual education, contingent upon infrastructure availability. The initiative will be supported through collaboration with school development committees and active involvement of parents.

As Karnataka expands English medium education in coastal government schools, stakeholders anticipate broader access to quality education and improved learning outcomes for students. The government remains committed to addressing challenges and ensuring the successful integration of English medium instruction across all participating schools.