Mysuru: While last-minute interventions before examinations are a common practice in many academic blocks, HD Kote taluk—a remote academic block with a substantial population of tribal communities—is charting a different course. The education department is quietly orchestrating a transformative shift through early, structured interventions designed to sustain and enhance student learning well before the SSLC examination, to ensure students from socially weaker sections move to higher education.Partnership between the education department and teachers has emerged as a crucial strategy in improving learning outcomes and overall performance. A prime example of this is that the high schools in HD Kote opened for two hours each day, during the Dasara holidays. This approach ensured that the festive break did not disrupt the continuity of learning.The need for such proactive measures is underscored by the academic performance of HD Kote in 2024–25, when the taluk recorded the lowest SSLC pass percentage in Mysuru district at just 57.5%. In response, the education department, together with local teachers, introduced a series of interventions for 2025–26 academic year.HD Kote’s student population is highly diverse, with significant representation from tribal communities, SC/ST, and OBC groups. The taluk comprises 38 govt and govt-aided high schools—31 govt-run and seven aided — primarily serving socially and economically disadvantaged students. This year, 3,623 students are scheduled to appear for the SSLC examination.According to block education officer (BEO) of HD Kote CN Raju, the primary objective of the classes is to keep students engaged in learning, preventing any disruption in academic momentum. Classes are led by volunteer teaching staff, from 10am to 12 noon daily.In addition to these classes, the department implemented ‘Kalika Khatri’ examinations in July and August—a unique evaluation system in which high school teachers from neighbouring districts prepare question papers. The results are shared with concerned school teachers, enabling them to identify learning gaps and adjust teaching techniques accordingly.Another initiative is the ‘Naanu Oduttiddene’ (I Am Studying) drive, which actively engages parents in the learning process. Parents are required to sign a form confirming their children’s studying activity at home, which is monitored daily by class teachers and weekly by headmasters.
