Challenges of a Leading School

Challenges of a LeadingChallenges of a Leading
SchoolSchool

AA
PresentationPresentation
ByBy

M.S.RAHMAN
PRINCIPALPRINCIPAL
International Indian SchoolInternational Indian School
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

It is a Community SchoolIt is a Community School
 Powerful Indian Community.Powerful Indian Community.
 Heterogeneous students and parents in terms of socio-cultural ethos, socialHeterogeneous students and parents in terms of socio-cultural ethos, social
and economic status.and economic status.
 Socially and economically challenged students/parents pose a potentialSocially and economically challenged students/parents pose a potential
threat in defying and flouting the social, academic and economic disciplinethreat in defying and flouting the social, academic and economic discipline
of the institution.of the institution.
 The School is run on no profit-no loss basis.The School is run on no profit-no loss basis.
 Social approach of the Community leaders always interfere with theSocial approach of the Community leaders always interfere with the
academic approach of the faculty and the professional approach of theacademic approach of the faculty and the professional approach of the
school authority.school authority.
 A minuscule segment of the community is conscious, caring and faithful toA minuscule segment of the community is conscious, caring and faithful to
their wards.their wards.
 Majority of the parents are semiliterate and a sizeable segment of it is alsoMajority of the parents are semiliterate and a sizeable segment of it is also
illiterate.illiterate.
 Emotional approach of the socially and economically challenged segmentEmotional approach of the socially and economically challenged segment
of the parentage.of the parentage.
 Community is mostly reactive rather than proactive.Community is mostly reactive rather than proactive.
 Community is not grateful and feels good in shifting the blame.Community is not grateful and feels good in shifting the blame.

Managing the ManagementManaging the Management
 Role of the Principal/Member Secretary as moderator, a balancing act.Role of the Principal/Member Secretary as moderator, a balancing act.
 Dissipating the inter member rivalry.Dissipating the inter member rivalry.
 Eliminating the point of discord between members.Eliminating the point of discord between members.
 If no consensus is reached then reaching to a median point.If no consensus is reached then reaching to a median point.
 Not taking a very strong view of the common issues.Not taking a very strong view of the common issues.
 Setting aside the false issues without argument.Setting aside the false issues without argument.
 Stressing upon framing the policy to tackle common issues ofStressing upon framing the policy to tackle common issues of
mass/community importance.mass/community importance.
 Taking firm stand on contentious issues in order to safeguard the interestTaking firm stand on contentious issues in order to safeguard the interest
of the institution.of the institution.
 Checking the regional divide and nefarious design.Checking the regional divide and nefarious design.
 Keeping the unity intact by forging common points and eliciting points ofKeeping the unity intact by forging common points and eliciting points of
discord between members and also other stakeholders.discord between members and also other stakeholders.
 Proper communication with the Members and the Chairman.Proper communication with the Members and the Chairman.
 Keeping the MC informed with the important events of the School throughKeeping the MC informed with the important events of the School through
weekly briefing and telephonic communication as and when situationweekly briefing and telephonic communication as and when situation
warrants.warrants.
 Active link/interface between Consulate/outside agencies and the School.Active link/interface between Consulate/outside agencies and the School.
 Alerting the Chairman, School Observer, CG from eventualities.Alerting the Chairman, School Observer, CG from eventualities.

Tackling the CommunityTackling the Community
LeadersLeaders
 Social approach of the community leaders whichSocial approach of the community leaders which
is not compatible to the professional approach.is not compatible to the professional approach.
 Plead the case without the merit of the case.Plead the case without the merit of the case.
 Wish to do away with at the cost of the School.Wish to do away with at the cost of the School.
 Mobilise the support through lobbying by E-mailsMobilise the support through lobbying by E-mails
and Social groupings.and Social groupings.
 Wish to safeguard the interest of the individualWish to safeguard the interest of the individual
instead of safeguarding the interest of theinstead of safeguarding the interest of the
institution.institution.
 Distinct role played by the MC byDistinct role played by the MC by
safeguarding/furthering School interest.safeguarding/furthering School interest.
 Frank communication and my personal contactFrank communication and my personal contact
helps to satisfy and nullify the wrong move byhelps to satisfy and nullify the wrong move by
them.them.

Patronage and InterferencePatronage and Interference
of the Consulateof the Consulate
 H.E. the Ambassador of India-the Patron.H.E. the Ambassador of India-the Patron.
 H.E. the Consul General is the Vice-patron.H.E. the Consul General is the Vice-patron.
 They are the custodian and conscience keeper of the School.They are the custodian and conscience keeper of the School.
 Driving force for all pro-institution policy, move and principles.Driving force for all pro-institution policy, move and principles.
 A great strength for the institution. Acts as a shield against theA great strength for the institution. Acts as a shield against the
onslaught of the nefarious design of the reactive segments of theonslaught of the nefarious design of the reactive segments of the
community and MOE officials.community and MOE officials.
 Checks the self-seekers and predators who make strong move toChecks the self-seekers and predators who make strong move to
prey upon the institution’s financial resources. Thus, stops theprey upon the institution’s financial resources. Thus, stops the
drainage of financial resources of the institution.drainage of financial resources of the institution.
 Determines political will and on most occasion succumbs toDetermines political will and on most occasion succumbs to
political pressure.political pressure.
 Sometimes they are misfed and mislead by the members close toSometimes they are misfed and mislead by the members close to
them and crook elements of the community.them and crook elements of the community.
 Partisan attitude of the official/CG/Observer and theirPartisan attitude of the official/CG/Observer and their
crookedness wreck havoc to the career of School authorities.crookedness wreck havoc to the career of School authorities.

The Higher BoardThe Higher Board
 It has a charter, which in essence a constitution followed by allIt has a charter, which in essence a constitution followed by all
IIS of the Kingdom.IIS of the Kingdom.
 A highest policy making body works at the behest of the EmbassyA highest policy making body works at the behest of the Embassy
more so the Ambassador.more so the Ambassador.
 Three nominated members nominated by H.E. the Ambassador ofThree nominated members nominated by H.E. the Ambassador of
India one each from Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah. All ChairmenIndia one each from Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah. All Chairmen
of the IIS of the Kingdom are its members who attend theof the IIS of the Kingdom are its members who attend the
meetings of the HB on behalf of their respective School.meetings of the HB on behalf of their respective School.
 The convenor of the HB is mostly a second secretary of EmbassyThe convenor of the HB is mostly a second secretary of Embassy
of India, Riyadh.of India, Riyadh.
 Coordinates and streamlines the activities of the IIS of theCoordinates and streamlines the activities of the IIS of the
Kingdom.Kingdom.
 Takes decisions on common issues of the IIS of the Kingdom.Takes decisions on common issues of the IIS of the Kingdom.
 Liaison’s with the top Saudi authorities to safeguard the interestLiaison’s with the top Saudi authorities to safeguard the interest
of IIS.of IIS.
 Calls and Conducts quarterly meetings of the members of the HB.Calls and Conducts quarterly meetings of the members of the HB.
 Approves the budget of the IIS and give sanction to non-budgetedApproves the budget of the IIS and give sanction to non-budgeted
expenditure of IIS above SR 20,000.expenditure of IIS above SR 20,000.
 Approves/sanctions the Appointment of the Principal in School.Approves/sanctions the Appointment of the Principal in School.

The School ObserverThe School Observer
 Appointed by the H.E. the Ambassador of India, Riyadh from among theAppointed by the H.E. the Ambassador of India, Riyadh from among the
Consuls of the Consulate.Consuls of the Consulate.
 Acts as a Liaison officer between School and Saudi departments and takesActs as a Liaison officer between School and Saudi departments and takes
up the contentious issues of the School with the Saudi departments.up the contentious issues of the School with the Saudi departments.
 Regulates the functioning of the MC, and the School.Regulates the functioning of the MC, and the School.
 Checkmates the onslaughts of negative moves/activities of the negativeCheckmates the onslaughts of negative moves/activities of the negative
elements in and around the School.elements in and around the School.
 Ensures smooth functioning of the School.Ensures smooth functioning of the School.
 Monitors day-to-day activities of the School.Monitors day-to-day activities of the School.
 Keeps custody of question papers of the Board Examination and liaison’sKeeps custody of question papers of the Board Examination and liaison’s
between CBSE and the School.between CBSE and the School.
 Chairs the joint meeting of the MC once in a quarter(3 months).Chairs the joint meeting of the MC once in a quarter(3 months).
 Gives direction to the Principal in settling the representations fromGives direction to the Principal in settling the representations from
various quarters i.e., parents, staff among all others.various quarters i.e., parents, staff among all others.
 Part of multiple stakeholder.Part of multiple stakeholder.
 Coordinates between School, MC, Vice-patron, Consulate, Patron,Coordinates between School, MC, Vice-patron, Consulate, Patron,
Embassy, HB and MOE.Embassy, HB and MOE.
 Interferes in the day to day functioning through undue recommendations.Interferes in the day to day functioning through undue recommendations.

The Chairman, MCThe Chairman, MC
 Nominated by the Patron in consultation withNominated by the Patron in consultation with
the Vice-patron and Observer of School..the Vice-patron and Observer of School..
 One among the MC members becomes theOne among the MC members becomes the
Chairman in rotation for a period of one year.Chairman in rotation for a period of one year.
 Calls, conducts and Chairs the MC meetings.Calls, conducts and Chairs the MC meetings.
 Takes decisions on School matters along with MCTakes decisions on School matters along with MC
members.members.
 Attends meetings of the HB.Attends meetings of the HB.
 Gives direction to member secretary on issuesGives direction to member secretary on issues
and decisions.and decisions.
 Co-signatory for the bank account of the School.Co-signatory for the bank account of the School.

The MC MembersThe MC Members
 Integral part of the School’s Managing Committee.Integral part of the School’s Managing Committee.
 There are altogether 10 members of the MC-7activeThere are altogether 10 members of the MC-7active
members and 3 reserve members.members and 3 reserve members.
 Out of 7 active members, one is nominated or selected asOut of 7 active members, one is nominated or selected as
Chairman through consensus/majority decision of MC.Chairman through consensus/majority decision of MC.
 Nominated by the Patron on recommendation of the Vice-Nominated by the Patron on recommendation of the Vice-
patron and School Observer as per established criteriapatron and School Observer as per established criteria
contained in the Charter and approved by the Ministry ofcontained in the Charter and approved by the Ministry of
Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
 MC members-2 members each of Finance Sub-Committee,MC members-2 members each of Finance Sub-Committee,
Administrative Sub-Committee and Academic CommitteeAdministrative Sub-Committee and Academic Committee
who in turn look into the Finance, Administrative andwho in turn look into the Finance, Administrative and
Academic matters of the School.Academic matters of the School.
 Attends Managing Committee meetings and part of theAttends Managing Committee meetings and part of the
decision making.decision making.
 MC members run the School as their personal fiefdomMC members run the School as their personal fiefdom
sometime with vindictive attitude leading to their selfsometime with vindictive attitude leading to their self
fulfilment and ego satisfaction.fulfilment and ego satisfaction.

The Profile of the CommunityThe Profile of the Community
 Powerful segment of SocietyPowerful segment of Society
 Powerful presence.Powerful presence.
 Elite/affluent, educationally conscious,Elite/affluent, educationally conscious,
silent majority and sleeping, reactionarysilent majority and sleeping, reactionary
fringe elements and a sizeablefringe elements and a sizeable
academically non-conscious segment.academically non-conscious segment.
 Reactionary fringe elements poses aReactionary fringe elements poses a
potential danger to the institution duepotential danger to the institution due
their hyperactivity in furthering theirtheir hyperactivity in furthering their
ulterior motives and sinister design toulterior motives and sinister design to
derail the smooth operation and functionderail the smooth operation and function
of the School. Also create unnecessary hueof the School. Also create unnecessary hue
and cry on regional lines.and cry on regional lines.

The Profile of StudentsThe Profile of Students
 A cross section of students from cross section of society.A cross section of students from cross section of society.
 15% Low achievers, slow learners, irregulars, absconders,15% Low achievers, slow learners, irregulars, absconders,
delinquents.delinquents.
 60% Average performers.60% Average performers.
 20% Above average students.20% Above average students.
 5% Quality students.5% Quality students.
 Lack of competitiveness, snobbish.Lack of competitiveness, snobbish.
 Confined lifestyle.Confined lifestyle.
 Limited avenues of venting out surplus energy.Limited avenues of venting out surplus energy.
 Pampered by their parents. Some are not under the controlPampered by their parents. Some are not under the control
their parents.their parents.
 A minuscule number of students in IX-XII Blocks are drugA minuscule number of students in IX-XII Blocks are drug
addicts and involved in propagation of soft porn throughaddicts and involved in propagation of soft porn through
CDs and storage device.CDs and storage device.

The Profile of TeachersThe Profile of Teachers
 Quality teachers only 10% of the total strength.Quality teachers only 10% of the total strength.
 Silent Majority are average performers.Silent Majority are average performers.
 Quality crunch in lower classes due to a largeQuality crunch in lower classes due to a large
number of housewives joining our system. Fornumber of housewives joining our system. For
them home is more important than the School.them home is more important than the School.
They have strong attitudinal problem too. TheyThey have strong attitudinal problem too. They
are incorrigible.are incorrigible.
 A sizeable amount of deadwood crept in theA sizeable amount of deadwood crept in the
system through influences and lobbies. They aresystem through influences and lobbies. They are
also inducted by the members.also inducted by the members.
 Lack of training. Little fire more ashes.Lack of training. Little fire more ashes.
 Fossilised/forgotten to learn.Fossilised/forgotten to learn.

The Pillars andThe Pillars and
FoundationsFoundations
 Community Support on being CommunityCommunity Support on being Community
School.School.
 Experienced Faculty.Experienced Faculty.
 Good Infrastructure.Good Infrastructure.
 Patronage of the Consulate and thePatronage of the Consulate and the
Embassy.Embassy.
 The oldest School (established in1969).The oldest School (established in1969).
 Financial Stability and imparting qualityFinancial Stability and imparting quality
education at low cost.education at low cost.
 Well Managed.Well Managed.

Taking Care of theTaking Care of the
ComplaintsComplaints
 Receiving the complaints through E-mail,Receiving the complaints through E-mail,
Fax, over phone, messaging, print media,Fax, over phone, messaging, print media,
Consulate, staff, students, members andConsulate, staff, students, members and
community leaders.community leaders.
 Investigating the matter.Investigating the matter.
 If needed, the matter would be referred toIf needed, the matter would be referred to
MC, Observer of School, CG.MC, Observer of School, CG.
 Marked to the concerned department forMarked to the concerned department for
proper action.proper action.
 Taking proper action at my level.Taking proper action at my level.

The OpportunitiesThe Opportunities
 Very good learning ground.Very good learning ground.
 Broad-based education.Broad-based education.
 Vicinity to the Haramains and strategicVicinity to the Haramains and strategic
location.location.
 Strong presence of the Indian Community.Strong presence of the Indian Community.
 Networking with various agencies andNetworking with various agencies and
Educational institutions.Educational institutions.
 Sumptuous training.Sumptuous training.
 Opportunity to work with the Consulate.Opportunity to work with the Consulate.

The ThreatsThe Threats
 Poaching of our real teachers by Schools offeringPoaching of our real teachers by Schools offering
higher salary.higher salary.
 Discontent among teachers due to rising inflationDiscontent among teachers due to rising inflation
and stagnation in their basic pay.and stagnation in their basic pay.
 Lack and deficiency of professional hands.Lack and deficiency of professional hands.
 Lack of adequate training for the workforce.Lack of adequate training for the workforce.
 Spoilsports, lobby, regionalism eating upon theSpoilsports, lobby, regionalism eating upon the
work ethic and work culture.work ethic and work culture.
 Scheming by the VP, COE in tandem with theScheming by the VP, COE in tandem with the
members and the Chairman.members and the Chairman.

The StrengthsThe Strengths
 An oldest School.An oldest School.
 Broad-based Clientele and stakeholders.Broad-based Clientele and stakeholders.
 Patronage from Embassy, Consulate.Patronage from Embassy, Consulate.
 Very good infrastructure.Very good infrastructure.
 Good Education at low cost.Good Education at low cost.
 Safe and secured transport system.Safe and secured transport system.
 Strong Community Support.Strong Community Support.
 A segment of staff excellent.A segment of staff excellent.
 Proximity with Haramain.Proximity with Haramain.

The WeaknessesThe Weaknesses
 Community interference.Community interference.
 Overcrowded Classroom.Overcrowded Classroom.
 Indifferent parents of low achievers and slowIndifferent parents of low achievers and slow
learners.learners.
 Snobbish students.Snobbish students.
 Lack of competitive spirit among students.Lack of competitive spirit among students.
 Blowing incidents/events out of proportion.Blowing incidents/events out of proportion.
 Sectarian divide and regional passion isSectarian divide and regional passion is
dominant among staff and students.dominant among staff and students.
 Dilution in quality due to quantitative expansionDilution in quality due to quantitative expansion
without replenishment and consolidation.without replenishment and consolidation.

The Cards the CrooksThe Cards the Crooks
of IISJ Playof IISJ Play
 Regional CardRegional Card
 Religious CardReligious Card
 Victimisation CardVictimisation Card
 Feminist CardFeminist Card
 Political CardPolitical Card

Negative CharactersNegative Characters
 Godfather/Godmother/God-brother/God-sisterGodfather/Godmother/God-brother/God-sister
among staff, community and the MC members.among staff, community and the MC members.
 Masterminds: Among staff and the community.Masterminds: Among staff and the community.
 Informer: Among staff.Informer: Among staff.
 Rumour-mongers: Among staff and theRumour-mongers: Among staff and the
community.community.
 Instigators: Among staff and the community.Instigators: Among staff and the community.
 Initiators: Among staff.Initiators: Among staff.
 Sympathisers: Staff and the community.Sympathisers: Staff and the community.
 Opportunist and Grabbers: Among staff.Opportunist and Grabbers: Among staff.
 Schemers taking part in Scheming in theSchemers taking part in Scheming in the
immediate staff to the Principal.immediate staff to the Principal.

Educating those Who doEducating those Who do
not Want to be Educatednot Want to be Educated
 Slow LearnersSlow Learners
 Low AchieversLow Achievers
 AbscondersAbsconders
 IrregularIrregular
 RepeatersRepeaters
 DelinquentsDelinquents
 PervertedPerverted
 AddictedAddicted
 They want to continue education but supplementThey want to continue education but supplement
the family earning. They have chronic learningthe family earning. They have chronic learning
disability. Lead a life of depravity. Fascinateddisability. Lead a life of depravity. Fascinated
with the worldly glitters. Not under the control ofwith the worldly glitters. Not under the control of
parents.parents.

Tuition MenaceTuition Menace
 There is no solution of pollution except dilution.There is no solution of pollution except dilution.
 Tuition not at the cost of weaning of classroomTuition not at the cost of weaning of classroom
teaching.teaching.
 It is a prostitution of brain. Teachers involvedIt is a prostitution of brain. Teachers involved
have overtly/covertly make the T-L a farce. Forhave overtly/covertly make the T-L a farce. For
them teaching in School is a time pass and sidethem teaching in School is a time pass and side
stay rather than a mainstay of profession.stay rather than a mainstay of profession.
 Students should not at all be pressurised to takeStudents should not at all be pressurised to take
tuition.tuition.
 How to tackle and how to break the monopoly isHow to tackle and how to break the monopoly is
a challenge?a challenge?
 +2 education in schools is diluted.+2 education in schools is diluted.
 Institutionalising the tuition is one solution.Institutionalising the tuition is one solution.

Maintaining QualityMaintaining Quality
in Teachingin Teaching
 Teachers punctuality in the Class.Teachers punctuality in the Class.
 Teaching plan, lesson plan, break-up of syllabus,Teaching plan, lesson plan, break-up of syllabus,
Class Observation and correction of Class work,Class Observation and correction of Class work,
assignment and correction of homework alongassignment and correction of homework along
with its volume and frequency.with its volume and frequency.
 Quality of teaching and transaction ofQuality of teaching and transaction of
instructional material.instructional material.
 Content coverage and comprehension of theContent coverage and comprehension of the
content.content.
 Understanding of the content by the students.Understanding of the content by the students.
 Illustration of the content for betterIllustration of the content for better
understanding of the same.understanding of the same.
 Testing and evaluation.Testing and evaluation.

Acts of IndisciplineActs of Indiscipline
 Creating disturbance in the Class.Creating disturbance in the Class.
 Intimidating teachers, cat calls.Intimidating teachers, cat calls.
 Bullying students, intimidating classmates, beatingBullying students, intimidating classmates, beating
classmates, hitting and breaking furniture and usingclassmates, hitting and breaking furniture and using
abusive language.abusive language.
 Porn in mobile, possessing objectionable CDs/electronicPorn in mobile, possessing objectionable CDs/electronic
device/compact disc/ DVD/ Flash Drive.device/compact disc/ DVD/ Flash Drive.
 Driving rent a car and truancy, perversions.Driving rent a car and truancy, perversions.
 Cracking crackers, takes part in fun, prank.Cracking crackers, takes part in fun, prank.
 Extorting money, smoking, hooliganism.Extorting money, smoking, hooliganism.
 Indulgence in unfair-means in examination and paperIndulgence in unfair-means in examination and paper
leak.leak.
 Passing sarcastic remarks.Passing sarcastic remarks.
 Heading, forming and joining gang.Heading, forming and joining gang.
 Indulgence in fighting.Indulgence in fighting.
 Creates websites for making fun of those who are strict,Creates websites for making fun of those who are strict,
defaming and character assassination.defaming and character assassination.

Disciplining the StudentsDisciplining the Students
 Endemic to IX-XII Block BS. Potential indiscipline at +level.Endemic to IX-XII Block BS. Potential indiscipline at +level.
 Other blocks it is well contained.Other blocks it is well contained.
 Two way challenge-not to indulge in corporal punishment of students. It isTwo way challenge-not to indulge in corporal punishment of students. It is
just like fighting the war without arms i.e., armless fighting a war.just like fighting the war without arms i.e., armless fighting a war.
 Disciplining requires multi pronged strategy, implementation and followDisciplining requires multi pronged strategy, implementation and follow
up.up.
 Educating, counselling, bringing them into task, using deterrents,Educating, counselling, bringing them into task, using deterrents,
imposing moral authority, punishing, taking precipitated action.imposing moral authority, punishing, taking precipitated action.
 Action speaks louder than words.Action speaks louder than words.
 Identifying the masterminds class wise and keeping a watch on themIdentifying the masterminds class wise and keeping a watch on them
through information system, class monitors, Class teachers.through information system, class monitors, Class teachers.
 Involving Students cabinet and class prefects in containing the discipline.Involving Students cabinet and class prefects in containing the discipline.
 Levying fine-Monitory.Levying fine-Monitory.
 Confiscating electronic gadgets.Confiscating electronic gadgets.
 Suspension and termination.Suspension and termination.
 Conducting raids to prevent bringing objectionable material and electronicConducting raids to prevent bringing objectionable material and electronic
gadgets.gadgets.
 Presentations and slides. Use of Morning Assembly for moral Education.Presentations and slides. Use of Morning Assembly for moral Education.
 Career counselling and showing the rosy picture of their future.Career counselling and showing the rosy picture of their future.

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