Global schools, desi demands

Going global, it seems, has certainly not gone down well with some parents who have put their wards in international schools. For one, they wonder, what's international about these schools? Apart from an international exposure in terms of having students from different countries and offering both national and international boards, there's nothing "special" about these institutes, feel a section of parents.
With the arrival of hi-tech interactive classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, activity halls and globally adaptable curriculum, Bhubaneswar has joined the league of select cities which can boast of truly worldclass education.
Offering a choice of both Indian (CBSE) and foreign boards such as International Baccalaureate (IB) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), these schools promise to offer global standards in academics and infrastructure.
According to Monalisa Bal, CEO, KIIT International School, "To meet global challenges, a child today needs exposure to a curriculum that is not restricted to the national boundary."
"Further, they need an advanced and technically sound environment to keep pace with an ever-changing world," said B P Mohapatra, executive director, SAI International School.
Agreed Rajesh Acharya, father of a Class VI student, who felt these schools offer tech-driven learning along with exposure to children of other nationalities.
Swetapadma Pattnaik, another parent, also seemed quite satisfied with the system of frequent examinations, remedial sessions and small strength in classes to ensure quality.
But Smita Rout, mother of an eight-year-old argued that despite the few students, teachers are not paying adequate attention. "Many a time my daughter comes home with a big tick mark despite a number of spelling mistakes in her copy," said Rout, pressing the point that more competent teachers are needed. "Wi-Fi classrooms are of no use till the students are taught the core subjects properly," she said.
Speaking in similar tones, Sarita Moharana (name changed) mother of a Class VI student, felt that besides state-of-the-art facilities, emphasis needs to be given on the quality of teachers.
However, schools argued they are well-staffed with teachers with international experience. Apart from well-equipped music labs, art and sports clubs and student exchange programmes, these schools also have well-structured co-curricular activities. "For an all-round development and to bring out their hidden talents, we encourage children to participate in a wide range of activities," said P K Samantray, director, Netaji International School.
But parents maintain that the schools make tall claims which are not matched by performance. "My son joined the lawn tennis club six months back. But till date he cannot hold the racquet properly," said the mother of a Class V student on condition of anonymity.
Even when it come to meals designed by dieticians that these schools claim to offer, parents feel the diet is not making much of a difference to their health. Since there's no one to monitor their eating habits, most often, they pick up the wrong food. "This way they are not getting a balanced diet. My daughter gained around 10 kg in just a year!" she said.
"Under the circumstances, I don't find anything international about these schools. Rather, as parents, we feel betrayed," said Smita Rout who prefers these schools because of the day boarding facilities they offer.
But, maintains, Monalisa Bal, "We are on our toes and offer the best support in terms of teaching and infrastructure."
M P Mishra, principal, McGuffey International School, agreed, "We are taking the best possible care, but parents' expectations are always high. They want instant progress."