DC Kulgam Launches “Classes of Joy” Initiative to Bridge Learning Gaps in Primary and Middle Schools

Danishwar Hameed 

KULGAM, July 24:In a significant move to improve foundational learning among children, the District Administration Kulgam, in collaboration with the School Education Department and Pratham Education Foundation, today launched the “Classes of Joy” initiative. The program is designed to bridge learning gaps in literacy and numeracy in primary and middle schools through the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach.

Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan (IAS), formally launched the initiative and inaugurated the first phase of a week-long teacher training programme. Speaking at the event, he emphasized the importance of making classrooms vibrant, inclusive spaces where every child can thrive. “You have to make the classrooms sources of joy and let every student bloom to their fullest potential,” he told the participating teachers.

The TaRL-based initiative is being rolled out in all 458 government primary and middle schools of the district, specifically targeting students in Classes 3 to 5. As part of the implementation strategy, over 2100 elementary school teachers will undergo intensive training to equip them with skills and tools necessary for delivering level-based instruction.

The training began today with the first batch of 460 teachers and will continue for seven days, with 300 teachers being trained each day. Teaching-learning materials are also being distributed to support effective classroom delivery.

Under the program, a baseline assessment will be carried out for all students of Classes 3 to 5 to evaluate their reading, arithmetic, and cognitive skills. Based on the assessment results, students will be grouped by their current learning levels rather than by grade. This targeted, activity-based teaching model will be implemented over an initial 100-day period, after which reassessment will take place and a second 100-day phase will follow.

DC Khan highlighted that the TaRL method is assessment-driven, focused on interactive and engaging learning, and designed to ensure that each student progresses at a pace suited to their abilities. The initiative includes continuous monitoring and re-grouping of students based on their progress.

Chief Education Officer Kulgam, Mohd Shabir, in his address, thanked the District Administration and Pratham Foundation for initiating this comprehensive program aimed at teacher empowerment and improving student outcomes. He called it a transformative shift in foundational education across the district.

Others who spoke at the event included Pratham Foundation Head Irfan Wani and Additional Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Viqar Giri. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Deputy Chief Education Officer.

The “Classes of Joy” initiative has been widely welcomed as a forward-looking step in enhancing the quality of education, empowering teachers, and ensuring that no child is left behind in their foundational learning journey.