UNIT 5: EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION

Unit 5: Educational Administration

a) Time Table: Importance, Types and Principles of Timetable Construction
b) Staff Meeting: Need, Types and Process
c) Absenteeism – Causes and Measures (Staff and Students), Secondary School
Code – Importance and Characteristics

A) TIME TABLE: IMPORTANCE, TYPES AND PRINCIPLES OF TIMETABLE

CONSTRUCTION

“Well arranged time table is the surest mark of a well arranged mind.” - Pitman

MEANING OF TIME TABLE:

The school time table is the plan or the chart in the school
showing the daily allotment of time among the several
subjects, activities and classes. It determines how the time
and other facilities of the school will be allocated among
different user to secure the objectives education. It is a
medium through which is reflected the philosophy of the
school as well as professional competence of the headmaster.

DEFINITIONS OF INSTITUTIONAL TIME TABLE

Following are the definitions of time table:

H. G. Stead’s View
“It is the time table that supplies the framework within which the work of the school
proceeds. It is the instrument through which the purpose of the school is to function.”

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 Dr. Jaswant Singh
“The schedule is the spark plug of the school which sets into motion its various activities
and programs.”
Mohiyuddin
“A time table is said to be the second school clock. It shows the hours during which school
work is done, what work is to be done during each period of the school day and in each
class, the room in which the work is to be done, and the teacher to be in charge of that
work.”

Thus we can see that school/college time table is a mirror which reflects the entire
educational plan and working of the school. It is a kind of framework for various school/college
activities offered. It shows a systematic and pre-planned scheme of work to be done by the student
and teachers of various classes sections. It shows the allotment of time to morning assembly, hours
of study, lunch break, roll call, library, craft, social service, games etc. In a good time table, even
the home task is planned before hand so that the students are not burdened.

IMPORTANCE OF THE TIMETABLE

The timetable is a necessary tool for the efficient working of a school. It is really a mirror that
reflects the entire educational programme of the school. "It is the timetable that supplies the
framework within which the work of the school proceeds. It is the instrument through which the
purpose of the school is to function." The values of the school timetable may be enumerated as
follows:
It ensures smooth and orderly working of the school:
The major achievement of timetable is that everything is planned in advance. All the
teachers and students know their jobs as well as the time they are to devote to each activity.
It is due to the timetable that smooth, orderly and regular work in the school goes on even
in the absence of the Head Teacher or any one of the teachers. If there is no timetable in
the school, there is always the danger of negligence of duty, duplication of effort and
repetition of unnecessary items and activities. The timetable places proper persons at their
proper places, at the proper time and in the proper manner.

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 It prevents wastage of time and energy:
The timetable shows exactly what is to be done at a particular time. It, thus, directs the
attention of both the pupil and the teacher to one thing at a time. Thus one's energy is
automatically directed in a particular direction and this prevents a lot of wastage of time
and energy. It also prevents confusion, duplication, overlapping and unnecessary repetition
on the part of the pupil and the teacher.

It ensures equitable distribution of work among teachers:

With the help of the timetable, the Head Teacher can keep track of the quantum of work
load assigned to each teacher working under him or her. The timetable gives a summary of
the work allotted to each teacher. The Head Teacher, or 'another superior officer, an know
at a glance the amount of work that every teacher is expected to do. Thus, the timetable
helps in avoiding the allotment of too much or too little work to, one teacher. This prevents
heart burning among the teachers and so unnecessary tension to the Head Teacher on this
account. The Head Teacher has to have a congenial atmosphere in the school for optimal
efficiency as well as efficacy.

It ensures equitable distribution of time to different subjects and activities:

The timetable gives due place, extension and emphasis to various subjects and activities in
the school, according to their relative importance or difficulty. This is very essential for the
all-round development of the pupils. This ensures that while the more important subjects
and activities get more attention and time, the less important ones are not neglected.

It helps in adjusting schoolwork according to the needs of pupils:

The timetable helps the school authorities to adjust schoolwork according to the
physiological needs of pupils. Fatigue, interest and freshness of mind and body are given
due consideration at the time of constructing a timetable. As the Head, you should see to it
that ample time is provided in the timetable for the teachers to check the pupils' notebooks
and also to prepare for their lessons. As far as the pupils are concerned, the Head must
ensure that co-curricular activities like sports, music, art and craft, library and other such
activities get adequate time. This is very important for the all-round development of the
pupils.

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 It helps in the formulation of good habits:
A good timetable is very helpful in inculcating the habits of orderliness, punctuality and
steadiness of purpose, both in the teachers and the students. It ensures regularity and even
progress by preventing laxity. It develops a methodical attitude towards work among pupils
and teachers in the school. Such adherence to a pre-arranged plan of work is the secret of
success of all persons connected with the school.

It helps in school discipline:

The school timetable directly aids discipline in the school to a great extent. It prevents
confusion and duplication of work and lessens the need of punishment by keeping pupils
busy in desirable activities. Everything appears to be in perfect harmony, smoothness and
concord. In the absence of such a plan, the school is sure to go topsy-turvy and create
administrative problems for the Head.

It helps in curriculum organization:

A school timetable with mandated period lengths, and specific subjects for each period
helps administrators allocate sufficient resources to the most important curriculum areas.
Curriculum should be organized so that the most important subjects are at optimal times of
the day. For example, if an administrator believes that the morning is the best time to
schedule English language arts courses, then reading and writing should almost always be
scheduled before lunch.

It bring about easy calculation on the payroll:

The timetable management software can also be used to calculate the number of hours each
teacher spent teaching the classroom, the number of days worked and the various absent
days. In a manual system, calculating this can be a long-drawn process – prone to errors
and miscalculations. However, with the help of the timetable management module in the
school management software, the same process transforms into a hassle-free one. This
makes it easy to calculate the payroll for the teachers.

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 It helps in student organization:
The school timetable allows students to know the exact time and duration of each class
period. Without a school timetable, students would have no idea how to prepare for the
day, how much transit time they have before they are late for class, and who their teachers
are.

TYPES OF TIME TABLE

Institution has the following types of time-table:

Consolidated Time-table
Class Time-table
TYPES OF TIME TABLE

Teacher’s Time-table
Special Subject Time-table
Teachers’ Vacant Periods Time-table
Games Time-table
Co-curricular Activities Time-table
Home work Time-table

Types of time-table are discussed below in detail:

1. Consolidated Time-table: It is also known as general time-table. This time table is a complete
picture of the entire institutional programme (curricular and co-curricular). It is the combined
time-table of all the classes in the school/college. It is presented in concise form. It indicates
clearly the total number of periods given to each subjects for each class, names of the teacher
teaching various subjects and classes, the number of the room where the classes meet, vacant
periods of teachers and duration of periods. It is normally displayed in the headmaster and
supervisors office. It helps them in effectively supervising the institutional programme. A copy
of this should also be put up in the staff room.

2. Class Time-table: Each class and section has its own time-table. It shows in detail the
allotment of time to various subjects and activities. The names of the teachers are also
mentioned in this time-table. The game period, the recess and other activities of that particular
class are also indicated. A copy of this time-table should be kept in the class-room for ready
reference by the students.

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3. Teacher’s Time-table: Teachers’ time-table in consolidated form is prepared teacher-wise.
The names of the teachers are written in order of seniority. It shows in details the programme
of a teacher’s work, the classes and subjects being taught by him in various periods. The vacant
periods of the teachers are also shown. When a teacher is on leave it becomes easy for the head
of the institution to make alternative arrangements keeping in view the teacher’s time-table
before him/her. Three copies of the teacher’s time-table should be prepared on each for teacher,
supervisor and principal’s office.

4. Special Subject Time-table: There is need of having special time-table for subjects like
Science, Agriculture and Craft in which practicals are involved. The teachers of these subjects
should have a free period before the commencement of the practicals in order to make
necessary arrangement.

5. Teachers’ Vacant Periods Time-table: A special time-table showing the vacant periods of
all the teachers should also be prepared. A copy of this time-table will enable the head to know
the name of the teacher who are free in a particular period. This will be helpful in allotting
work when some teacher is on leave. It also helps the principal when he needs to see some staff
member. A copy of this time-table should always be available in the headmaster’s office.

6. Games Time-table: Games time-table shows the allocation of time and place for game for
each group or house. This time-table is framed on the basis of age and proficiency of players
and not on the basis of classes and sections. It also indicates the demarcation of grounds and
the timings when the grounds are occupied.

7. Co-curricular Activities Time-table: Co-curricular activities also have a great importance in

the development of personality of the child. A regular time-table of all such activities is
prepared in the beginning of each session showing the different types of activities in the
school/college, the name of teacher incharge of those activities, the place where they are to be
held and the time when they are to be undertaken.

8. Home work Time-table: In every good school, some home work is daily assigned to students
in various subjects. In order to see that this home work does not become a mental strain on the
average student, a home work time-table is prepared. It shows the amount of home task to be
set by each teacher for the class or classes in his or her own subject, during a week. In this way

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 home-work is adjusted among the various teachers. A copy of this time-table is put up in each
class or section.

PRINCIPLES OF TIME TABLE CONSTRUCTION

The framing of time table is most difficult job of school/college administration because it
depends upon a number of factors, condition or principles. The following principles need careful
consideration in construction time table.

1. Type of School/College: The time table will depend considerably upon the type of the
institution. A different kind of time table is required for a primary, high or higher secondary
(junior college) school. A double shift system school/college will have periods of shorter
duration. The time table in girls’ school/college may be different from that of boys’
school/college. Co-educational school/college will necessitate numerous changes so as to
meet the specific needs of the boys and the girls. The requirement of rural and urban school
might be different. In secondary and higher secondary school, the length of the periods can
be larger than that in elementary schools. In co-educational schools the time table should
be framed in accordance with the needs, activities, aims and objectives of the
school/college, which depends upon the type and location of the school/college.

2. Departmental Regulations: Construction of time table is based on the rules and

regulations as prescribed by the education department. It is the education department which
fixes the lengths of the school year and terms, the duration of the school day, the syllabus
for different objects of different classes, the total number of periods per day, the number
of periods per week for each subject and the number of periods to be allotted to each
teacher. Similarly time for the morning assembly, recess and games is also fixed. The
school has to follow these department rules and regulation. Thus time table bring
uniformity in the working of different school in the stale.

3. Availability of Time: While framing the time table, total working time available should
be kept in mind. The duration of working hours and amount of time required for a particular
subject and the organization of activities are being controlled by the departmental
regulation. Generally speaking, the higher the grade of the school, the longer will be the
school day. The lesser amount of time is given to the lower classes than to the higher

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 classes. The time duration changes from season to season. In case of double shift school,
the duration of school day is naturally shorter. The time-table is to be formed within the
limits of the time available.

4. Relative Importance & Difficulty of Subjects: In the time table, more time should be
allotted to more important and difficult subject. Subjects like English, mathematics and
science are supposed to be important and difficult so they are allotted more time. These
difficult subjects should be taught in the first half of the school timing when the students
are fresh. Subject like drawing and painting, music, physical training can be adjusted in
between two difficult subjects. Subjects like craft can be consecutive periods for a difficult
subject.

5. Staff, building & Equipments: The availability of staff, building and equipment is an
important consideration while construction a time table. The time table is to be framed in
accordance with the number of rooms’ available, numbers of student in each class, numbers
of teacher, accommodation in the rooms or in the laboratory and total furniture available
in the same periods. We should not keep games periods or science periods for more than
one class at a time, if we have only one teacher for this purpose. All the classes cannot have
geography at the same time, as the geography room will not be available to many classes.
The time table framers should make the best use of the material available to them and
should try to fulfill the needs of students as far as possible.

6. Elements of Fatigue: Fatigue is lowered efficiency as a result of expenditure of energy.

There can be physical as well as mental fatigue. Fatigue diminishes attention and weakens
the power of understanding and insight. As a result the work rate is diminished. So while
framing time table of an institution, we should be familiar with the subject which cause
more fatigue and the time of the day when the student are in a position to study such subject.
The second and third periods in the morning and the second period after recess are the best
periods for fatiguing subjects. The last period in the afternoon is the worst period. The same
principle is true in the class of the working days of the week. Tuesday and Wednesday are
considered to be the best days of the week from the point of view of mental freshness.
Monday goes in ‘warming up’ and Saturday is known as the ‘worst day’. Hence while

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 framing the time table the best periods of the days ‘, and if possible , the best days of the
week should be devoted to fatiguing subject like English , Mathematics , Science etc.

7. Principle of Variety: Variety is the best form of rest. It is also an attention fixing device.
There should be variety in the time table both for the teacher and the taught. The following
precautions may be helpful in the direction.

i. Change of Room and Posture: Change of room, seat and posture should be made
in order to get rid of fatigue. As far as possible, no class should sit in the room for
the whole day.

ii. No Consecutive Periods: No class should be allotted the same subject for two
consecutive periods except the practical subjects like science, handwork, art etc.

iii. Variation in Subjects: In order to avoid boredom the variation in subjects should
be provided. Easy and difficult subjects should be provided alternatively. For
instance physical exercises or music can be introduced between mathematics and
literature, singing or writing should not follow physical exercises.

iv. Variation in Teachers: Variation in teachers is also essential. Same teachers should
not have consecutive periods in the same class.

v. Interval between Subjects: If the subjects are to be taught only twice or thrice a
week, its periods should not be fixed on consecutive days, but at interval.

8. Principle of play and recreation: There should be periods for recreation like play and
games, physical exercises, arts and crafts, and other activities intervening between periods
of serious study. Careful attention needs to be given to provide for test and recreation and
provision for various co-curricular activities should also be made in the Timetable, to avoid
monotony. The timetable should accommodate a few periods of play and recreation Recess
period should be not more than 30 minutes in which the students may just play after taking
the Tiffin. Play and other recreations activities are the sources of pleasure and enjoyment.
9. Principle of Equitable Distribution: Work among the members of the staff should be
equally distributed, in accordance with the principle of justice and division of labour.
Unequal distribution of work causes frustration among them and hampers progress.

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 10. Free Periods for Teachers: Free periods for teachers should be provided so as to increase
their efficiency and also for correction. The teachers should be allowed two vacant periods
every day. The language teachers should be given more free periods as they have to do a
lot of correction work.

The time-table occupies a very important place in institutional administration. It is

indispensable for the efficient functioning of the institution. To make teaching-learning effective
and useful, the institution has to be provided with a suitable time-table keeping in mind the above
principles of time-table construction.

B) STAFF MEETING: NEED, TYPES AND PROCESS

MEANING OF STAFF MEETING

In a staff meeting, the members of a school — the teachers,
administrative assistance, and headmaster assemble to discuss
the educational progress, subjects, syllabus, etc. that will help
the school or university’s smooth functioning. In a staff
meeting, the main aim is to exchange opinions, ideas, feedback
towards the students learning outcomes.

DEFINITION OF STAFF MEETING

“A gathering attended by the members of staff of a school, to discuss issues relating to the
running of the school.”
“A staff meeting is an employee conference that may be conducted in whichever manner
and frequency the organizer needs to.”

NEED OF STAFF MEETING

Meetings are a venue for voicing opinions, discussing the latest organizational policies and
procedures, increasing the effectiveness of decision making, addressing employee problems and
concerns, and setting goals.

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Need of staff meeting
For the organisation:
 Giving and Gathering Information:
The staff meetings are needed to give and gather the information from Principal to Staff
and vice versa so that organization will work effectively and efficiently.
 Progress of the Institution:
The staff meetings are needed to discuss the progress of the institution so that the staff can
know about where we are and where we need to go so. that objectives of institution can be
achieved smoothly.
 Educational Topics/Brainstorming New Ideas:
The staff meetings are needed to discuss, educational topics and brainstorm new ideas for
its implementation for the all round development of the students.
 Seeking Feedback:
The Principal needs staff meeting to seek the feedback from the teachers about activities
and students, feedback from students about the teachers, feedback from parents about their
child and teachers etc. so that Principal can incorporate changes within the organization to
achieve its goals.
 School Functions and Co-curricular Activities:
Staff meetings are needed to arrange school functions and co-curricular activities for all
round development of students.
 Professional Development:
Staff meeting are needed to discuss and decide which teachers will be sent to various
conferences, seminars, paper reading sessions, conducting research to upgrade their
knowledge and for their professional development. Teacher are sent on the basis of
seniority which is discussed in the staff meeting.
 Handle Grievances:
Staff meeting are needed to handle grievances to create a conducive environment so that
goals of the institution can be achieved.
 Review Performance of Students, Teachers and Institutions:

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 The staff meetings are needed to discuss performance of students, teachers and institutions
to review where the institution stand and in which things they lack and measures are taken
to improve those things in which they are lacking.
For the Head masters:
 Improves the planning and co-ordination of activities that have an impact on institution.
 Creates a sense of unity and connectedness among the staff members.
 Brings a wide variety of voices and collective wisdom to bear on important issues/
problems and changes facing workplace.
 Overall improved efficiency and effectiveness. • Provides an opportunity to get to know
staff members.
For the staff member:
 Enhances the sense of ownership and importance of staff members by ensuring meaningful
and productive participation in decisions that affect staff members.
 Provides an opportunity to keep informed on what is going on.
 Enables staff to understand, appreciate and support each other’s work.
 Improved job satisfaction by being more involved

TYPES OF STAFF MEETING

Staff meetings can be classified into the following types:

 Formal meetings:
 Informal meetings.
 Planned informal meetings.
 Emergency meetings.
Formal Meetings:
These types of meetings are planned beforehand and take place at fixed intervals. They are
carried out in an organized manner. They have firm agendas and are completed within a
particular time. These meetings are structured strictly to follow the time limit. These

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 include committee’s large briefing groups and some project-progress meetings. There is a
strict adherence to time limits. Examples of agenda of formal meetings include:
 Formulating a curriculum.
 Classification of students.
 Allotment of duties and subjects to be taught to teachers.
 Preparation of time-table.
 Decisions concerning co-curricular activities and other school/college celebrations.
 Issues concerning examinations such as fixing dates for examinations, time-table for
examinations, paper-settings, allotment of supervision and assessment duties and so
on.
 Institution’s progress.
 Personnel policies.
 Discipline, enforcement of rules and regulations.
 Adoption and implementation of new teaching and evaluation methods.
Informal Meetings:
These can be ad hoc in nature. Such a meeting could also be a sub-group of a formal
meeting. Typically, they are convened to deal with specific issues, rather than an entire
subject.
Little notice is needed for convening such a meeting. This type of meeting could include a
small group of two people or a larger group of up to six people. The outcome of such a
meeting is usually a plan, a solution or a request to hold a larger, formal meeting.
Informal meetings are not as rigid as formal meetings. They are more likely to happen
when discussing an issue and not a whole subject. It is not necessary for the whole staff to
be present. They are done in small groups as well. Time is not an issue here. For example,
these usually take place to plan an official meeting. Only concerned staff members should
be invited. They are conducted when group feels "IT'S TIME WE NEED TO TALK."
Issues may be of following nature:
 Educational tours
 Inter-school competitions
 Cultural programmes
 Indiscipline or misbehaviour of students

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  Beautification and decoration of class
Planned Informal Meetings:
For a leader responsible for planning institutional tasks and activities, such a meeting is the
most useful. The principal decides the objectives of such a meeting, identifies and selects
participants, prepares his/her case and deals with staff members singly or in groups.
It is necessary to think about all the possible individuals who could provide help in the
process of planning before conducting such a meeting so as to avoid random results,
misunderstanding and waste of time and energy.
Emergency Meetings:
These meetings are convened when unforeseen or unexpected situations arise. Such
meetings are called at a short notice. Examples of situations when such a meeting is
convened include:
 The visit of an educational or government official, a dignitary or an inspecting
authority to the school/college.
 A case of gross misbehaviour, negligence or indiscipline by students and in some
cases by a teacher.
 Sudden strike-call given by students, teachers or lion-teaching staff.
 Some unforeseen calamity such as fire, flood, riots, attacks by hooligans and so forth.
 If request for a meeting comes from a few staff members.
 Conflict among staff members

PROCESS/STAGES/REQUIREMENTS/ESSENTIALS/PREREQUISITES OF STAFF
MEETING

Process of Staff Meeting

Planning Stage Actual Meeting Post Staff Meeting

The headmaster/principal must follow the below mentioned principles for conducting effective
staff meeting.

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1. Preparation and Planning:
 Well thought Agenda: There should be a specific and well thought out agenda of staff
meeting
 Circulating the Agenda: The agenda should be circulated sufficiently in advance. It should
be realized that if all the teachers are aware of the subject to be discussed, they can prepare
for participation in advance.
 Notice of Meeting: Time and venue for the meeting should be specified. The notice for
conducting a staff meeting should be circulated well in advance Le at least 2 days before
the meeting
 Convenient Time: The time selected for the staff meeting should be convenient to the staff
members. The meeting may be held during the recess period which can be prolonged after
making necessary adjustment in the other periods.
 Seating Arrangement: Good and sufficient seating arrangement should be made so that
they feel comfortable and able to concentrate. For this purpose, every school should have
a specific or separate conference room.
 Adequate Preparation: Adequate preparation should be made in the form of necessary
data, information, details, records, reports etc.
2. Actual Meeting:
 Congenial/Pleasant Atmosphere: The environment in the meeting should he healthy.
There is possibility of arguments/conflicts in the meeting but the principal should handle
it.
 Proper Discussion: Proper method of discussion should be followed. Opportunities should
be given to all members of the staff to take part in the discussion. Encouraging discussion
is very important Discussion should be for the growth and betterment of the institution.
Listening and tolerance is important for healthy discussion and which is very important for
staff meeting
 No Disturbance: No outside interference or disturbance should be there during the
meeting.
 No Interruption: The member must show due respect to the views by others. Nobody
should be interrupted when he/she is talking on some issue.

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  Co-operative Attitude: An attitude of co-operation, goodwill, tolerance, mutual respect and
collective thinking should prevail in the staff meeting.
 Time Factor: Specific time schedule should be followed. Everybody should stick to the
time schedule. The meeting should not be unnecessarily prolonged. Individual discussion
or talks between the members should be discouraged as it is against manner.
3. Post Staff Meeting
 Decision and Implementation: The decision must be taken after careful consideration of
all the pros and cons of a problem. Decisions should not remain on papers only. They must
be implemented with all sincerity and honestly
 Recording the Minutes: the proceeding of the meeting must be recorded either by the staff,
secretary, or headmaster. Proceeding must be recorded very accurately. Before starting a
meeting the proceeding (minutes) of the previous meeting must be confirmed by members
 Sub-Committee: Various sub-committees may be appointed in the staff meeting for all
important items of work. Such as syllabus, time table, examination, library, magazine etc.
Sometimes pupils may be co-opted in sub-committees.
 Summary and Checking: Proper conclusion of the meeting by the principal and checking
is done by reading out the records in the concluding part to clear doubts if any. Checking
is very important and it is done by the secretary and with it the staff meeting ends.

C) ABSENTEEISM – CAUSES AND MEASURES (STAFF AND STUDENTS)

Attendance is a pre-requisite for desirable progress

and development of the students. Absenteeism leads
to poor utilization of institution’s infrastructural
facilities such school/college building, equipments,
etc. this lowers the efficiency of the institution and
thereby leads to wastage. Absenteeism also leads to
poor performance in the examination. It also lowers
the morale of the teachers as their energy, time and
efforts are wasted. Thus regular attendance is
extremely important from educational as well administrative perspectives.

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DEFINITION OF ABSENTEEISM
 According to Webster’s Dictionary, ‘absenteeism is the practice or a habit of being an
absentee and an absentee is one who habitually stays away.”
 According to Cascio & Boudreau, “absenteeism is any failure to report for or remain at
work as scheduled, regardless of the reason.”

TYPES OF ABSENTEEISM AMONG STUDENTS

Types of Absenteeism among Students

Total Absenteeism Partial Absenteeism Truancy or Bunking off

Irregularity

 Total Absenteeism: This refers to a situation where the student is admitted and enrolled in
a school/college but does not come to school/college at all. There is a complete lack of
presence in the school/college.
 Partial Absenteeism: Here, the student remains absent from school/college continuously
for a long period of time. It may be with or without the permission of the institutional
authorities. However, reasons for such long absence vary from students to student.
 Irregularity: Here, the student does not attend school/college punctually. He/she may
arrive late in the class in the morning or after recess. It also implies that a student is absent
for 2-3 days at a stretch. This type of absence is seen more often in schools/colleges because
even the most regular students may have to remain absent for a short period. Hence, this is
not a very serious form of absence.
 Truancy or Bunking off: This means skipping class work and school periods, running
away from school without the school authorities’ permission.

CAUSES OF ABSENTEEISM AMONG STUDENTS

The main causes of absenteeism can be classified as follows:
Factors Related to Home-background:
 Poverty and inability to pay the expenses on education
 Illiteracy and ignorance of parents concerning the benefits of education

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  Girls may have to fulfill their domestic duties of cooking cleaning and looking after the
home which prevent them from going to school
 Undesirable or negative or indifferent parental attitudes towards education
 Necessity to look after younger siblings on the part of a girl child
 Unhappy events, deaths, quarrels, sudden arrival of guests, marriage in the family, etc also
lead to absence from school/college.

Factors Concerned with the Student:

 Indifferent or negative attitudes of a child towards education, School/college, curriculum
or peers
 Lack of interest in studies, laziness
 Inability to with the curriculum
 Students’ strike on invalid grounds.
Factors Concerned with the School:
 Un-conducive, uncongenial intuitional environment, unduly strict, harsh disciplinary
measures and inconsistency in dealing with rule infractions
 Uninspiring teaching methods or faulty evaluation procedures
 Unhealthy relationship with teachers
 Problems with teachers’ morale, and lack of motivation among teachers
 Frequent absenteeism or turnover among teachers
 Lack of infrastructural facilities like proper school/college building and rooms, toilets,
blackboard, equipments etc
 Unfavourable location of the institution or unsuitable timings and time-table
 Lack of transport facilities provided by the institution

Factors Concerned with the Local Community:

 Lack of educational institutions in the locality within walkable distance
 Inadequate transport facilities, communal tensions
 Strikes affecting transport and communication, war, riots, bomb blasts, civil strikes etc.

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Factors Concerned with the Nature:
 Natural calamities like earthquakes, fire, flood, heavy rains, excessive heat or cold,
drought, etc.

MEASURES TO CONTROL ABSENTEEISM AMONG STUDENTS

Measures to control absenteeism should deal with students, their parents, community,
teachers as well as school/college itself. Some of these measures are as follows:

1. Regular contacts with parents: The institution should develop regular contacts with
parents in the form of PTA meetings and/or home visits, institutions and teachers should
try to spread awareness among parents about the desirability of education and its positive
effects on child’s development, employment opportunities and quality of life.
2. Identifying Home-related problems: Institution should the parents in identifying their-
related problems, if any, which hinder their child’s attendance in school/college and, if
possible, helping them to identify remedies or solutions.
3. Differentiated Curriculum: The curriculum should be such that fulfills the needs of the
larger community. It should include the vocational component in the syllabus. Institution
should prepare and implement differentiated curricula for gifted, average and below
average students.
4. Methods of teaching: Student-centered teaching methods should be used in the
institutions so as to ensure students active participation and to maintain interest in learning.
Appropriate use of audio-visual aids should be made while teaching. Instructional process
should be made individualized.
5. Guidance and Counseling: The school/college should provide guidance and counseling
service to students if necessary. This will also involve making necessary contacts with
parents.
6. Support to Economically backward Students: The institution should provide milk, mid-
day meals and health check-ups to students. It should also provide uniforms, free books,
stipend, scholarships etc. So the institution should make education as expensive as possible
to economically disadvantaged sections of the society.
7. Teachers as Role-model: The teachers should present before their students a model
behavior from which students can learn habits like punctuality, regularity and sincerity.

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 8. Institutional Climate: A proper climate should be created in the institution to reduce staff-
turnover and enhance teachers’ motivation and morale. Teachers should make every
possible effort to understand a child’s needs and problems and help him/her to adjust to
institutional environment.
9. Co-curricular Activities: Institution should provide a wide range of co-curricular
activities to students for their affective and psychomotor development as well as
developing in them a sense of affiliation and loyalty towards the institution.
10. Adequate and Qualified Staff: The institution should make effort to maintain and acquire
a well-qualified staff in adequate numbers.
11. Constructive Feedback: The institution should provide constructive feedback to students
and parents on regular basis concerning students’ progress.
12. School/College Timings: The school/college timings should be adjusted to the needs of
the students and parents.

TYPES OF ABSENTEEISM FOR STAFF

 Authorized Absenteeism:
If an employee absents himself/herself from work by taking permission from his superior
and applying for leave, such absenteeism is called authorized absenteeism.
 Unauthorized Absenteeism:
If an employee absents himself from work without informing or taking permission and
without applying for leave, such absenteeism called unauthorized absenteeism.
 Willful Absenteeism:
If an employee absents himself from duty intentionally, such absenteeism is called willful
absenteeism.

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  Absenteeism caused by circumstances beyond one's control:
If an employee absents himself from duty owing to the circumstances beyond his control
like involvement in accidents or sudden sickness, such absenteeism is called absenteeism
caused by circumstances beyond one's control.

CAUSES OF ABSENTEEISM (STAFF)

People miss work for a variety of reasons, many of which are legitimate. Others generally are not.
Some of the common causes of absenteeism include but are not limited to:
The staff absenteeism is caused due to the following reasons:
1. Social and Religious Ceremonies:
Social and religious functions divert employee from work to social activities. In large
number of cases, the proportion of absenteeism due to sickness, accident or maternity is
not a high as it is due to other causes, including social and religious causes. Absenteeism
is high during local festivals, irrespective of whether the staff are from rural areas or not.
2. Institutional Fatigue:
Low salaries compel an employee to seek some part time job to earn some side income.
But this often results in constant fatigue, which compels him/her to remain absent for the
next day and if fatigue affects him seriously, his/her absence may continue for a quite some
time.
3. Unhealthy Working Conditions:
Intolerable working conditions exist in institutions. heat or moisture, noise and vibrations,
bad lighting condition, dust and ever crowding and all these affect the employee's health
causing him/her to remain absent for a long time.
4. Absence of Adequate Welfare Facilities:
Different components of welfare includes sanitation facilities, first aid, transportation,
drinking water, canteen, rest room etc. if these facilities are inadequate, staff get fed up and
often remain absent.
5. Improper to Unrealistic Personnel Policies:
In most cases unskilled, untrained and inexperienced staff are rejected who fail to cope
with and adapt themselves to their jobs and to their institutional environment. These factors
generate frustration in the minds of staff which results in low efficiency and unhealthy
employee-employer relationship which in turn leads to long periods of absenteeism.
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 6. Inadequate Leave Facilities:
Negligence on the part of the employer to provide adequate leave facilities, compels the
staff to remain absent.
7. Bullying and harassment:
Staff who are bullied or harassed by colleagues or managers are more likely to fall sick to
avoid the situation and remain absent.
8. Burnout, stress, and low morale:
Heavy workloads, stressful meetings and/or presentations and feelings of being
unappreciated can cause staff to avoid going into work. Personal stressors from outside the
workplace can also lead to absenteeism.
9. Disengagement:
Staff who are not committed to their jobs, colleagues and/or the institution are more likely
to miss work simply because they have no motivation to go to the work.
10. Illness:
Injuries, illness, and medical appointments are the most commonly reported reasons for
missing work--though not always the actual reason.

MEASURES TO CONTROL ABSENTEEISM FOR STAFF

1. Provision of Healthful and Hygienic Working Conditions:
It is essential that staff should be provided with proper and healthy working conditions.
The facilities of drinking water, canteens, sanitation, rest rooms, lighting and ventilation
need to be improved. If such facilities are not available, it should be provided. All these
help in keeping the employee cheerful and increase productivity and the efficiency of
institution.
2. Provision of Reasonable Salary and Job Security for staff:
The management should pay reasonable salary and incentives as per rules and regulations
by government. The incentives that can be paid to staff should include old age, length-of-
service, position, special job, good attendance, transportation and housing allowance so
that the employee may have and know security of employment.

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 3. Adoption of a Well-Defined Recruitment Procedure:
The selection of staff on the basis of communal, linguistic and family consideration should
be discouraged or avoided. The management should look for aptitude and ability in the
prospective staff and should not easily yield to pressure or personal likes and dislikes.
4. Motivation of Staff Welfare and Social Measures:
The management should recognize the needs of staff and offer them adequate facilities like
housing, free or subsidized food in canteen, free medical aid and transportation facilities to
and for their residence, free educational facilities for their children, and other monetary and
non-monetary benefits.
Their genuine difficulties--for example, their need of money at the time of marriage. death,
family illness and disablement--should be recognized by the management and it should try
to help them in this regard. As for social security measures such as the provision of
provident fund, gratuity and pension, all these need to be improved so that staff may have
a sense of belonging.
5. Safety and Accident Prevention:
Safety at work can be maintained and accidents can be prevented if the management tries
to eliminate such personal factors as negligence, over-confidence, carelessness, etc. Job
satisfaction and cordial relations between the staff and the employers would help eliminate
most of the personal factors. Manager should ensure that proper procedures and safety
instructions should be given to avoid crises in the workplace.
6. Liberal Grant or Leave:
The management's strict attitude in granting leave and holidays, even when the need for
them is genuine, tempts staff to go on leave. An effective way of dealing with absenteeism
is to liberalize leave rules.
7. Improved Communication and Prompt Redressal of Grievances:
Timely instructions, meetings and counselling should be there within institution. Written
communication is meaningful only. As regards notice boards, too many notices should be
avoided; only the essential ones should be put on the board, which should be placed near
the entrance of staff room, inside the canteen and in areas which are frequently visited.

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 8. Cordial Relations between Supervisors and Staff:
Cordial relations between the leader and the staff are essential, for without them, discipline
cannot be maintained and productivity cannot be increased. One of the consequences of
unhealthy relations between supervisor and staff is absenteeism. Therefore, supervisors
should be given a proper training in this field to create an atmosphere in which willing co-
operation exists between them and the work force, and staff would freely discuss their
problems with their supervisors.
9. Professional Development of Staff:
Leader should encourage the staff to attend various conferences, seminars, paper
presentations, conducting researches etc. which develop the morale of the staff and develop
the professional growth and motivates to work effectively and efficiently towards
attainment of institutional goals.

SECONDARY SCHOOL CODE – IMPORTANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS

Secondary School Code

Secondary School Code gives guidelines for teachers
and school administration to manage and complete
their course of study and supervise students to achieve
their objectives. In addition, there are several other
characteristics and importance are as follows.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL CODE

SS Code for private schools is known as "The Maharashtra Employees of Private Schools
Regulation Acts and Rules." It is easily available in the market prepared either by the government
private bodies (advocates). It is helpful to schools as it is legal educational Bible. It deals with laws
relating to schools. It deals with importance of legislation which is not to be under estimated legally
and helps to solve the problems of administration of justice in educational field. It deals with the
reservation and social policies as well as with the trace of history of education along with the
various stages of NEP, the Act along with the judicial decisions, reservation of posts with circulars

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and a brief note on internal inquiries held by the management. Access to school tribunal redress
grievances and helpful to all human resources working within the school.
Some of the important characteristics of secondary school code are as follows:
1. Supervision:
At school time general supervision is very important for the functioning of the school. In
addition, it is required that all staff members should comply with authority. Furthermore,
the students are responsible for the time they spend at school.
2. Attendance:
Attendance is a way of keeping a record of the presence of the student in the class.
Moreover, full attendance is essential for success in school. Besides, if students miss
classes, then that means that they lack in learning.
3. Late to class:
Students should be punctual of school rules and time. Moreover, if students are late for
class, then that means they missed some important lessons in the class.
4. Honesty in academics:
It is expected from students that they complete their work in time. Also, they do their
homework and other assignments on time. Besides, it is also the responsibility of the
teacher to check that each student does his work on his own. In addition, they do not copy
it from other students.
5. Dress code:
The main purpose of this dress code is to make them feel the same as others. Also, school
is a business place and a place for learning. So, your dress should be appropriate. Besides,
every article that promotes any type of discrimination or too much revealing is not
permitted in schools.
6. Cell phones:
Schools strictly restrict the use of any electronic devices, cell phone, and cameras in a
school. But if the students use them for learning, then they can only use in the supervision
of their teacher.
7. Language:
The schools do not allow the use of inappropriate language anywhere. In addition, a polite
and respectful language is more suitable at school and anywhere else.

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IMPORTANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL CODE
Secondary School Code is very important not only from the viewpoint of school life. But also,
from the point of view of personal as well as professional life. Some importance of senior
secondary school code is:
1. Equality of Education:
An authority of education checks and implements that all the aided, unaided, recognized,
private etc., follow a common and legal binding set by the state government and derived by
the central government. This leads to equality of education.
2. Educational Reforms:
A common system of administration and supervision for initiating and accelerating
educational reforms through Government Resolution.
3. Common School System:
There should be common school system like textbooks, teaching pattern, assessment and
evaluation.
4. Functioning of the school:
It should maintain the common standard by management in functioning the school. It should
dissolve the discrimination between the teachers working under different managements.
5. Rules for teaching and non-teaching staff:
It should maintain a common standard for teaching and non-teaching staff like terms of
appointment, workload, salary, leave, promotion, etc.
6. Protecting Minority Schools:
It should protect the minority schools by empowering them with special rights.
7. Grants:
A common standard for disbursement of grants to schools.
8. Rights and Duties:
Both teaching and non-teaching staff should be protected by empowering them with their
rights and duties and should be guided them with legal issues through school tribunal.
9. Social responsibility:
The school contributes not only to themselves but also to society. So, it is an important duty
of school administration and staff to look after each of their student's conduct. Besides, the
members of the school should not discriminate on the basis of their caste, race, colour, origin,

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 place, religion, disability, age or gender. Furthermore, it is the duty of the school to make its
students aware of social responsibility.
10. Respect:
An important feature of the Secondary School Code is that children learn to respect their
elders. At school, teacher teaches students’ good manners and moral responsibilities which
help to be a great person. Also, it teaches them an important lesson to respect not just human
beings but also, public property and animals too.

Answer Briefly
1. Discuss the importance and principles of timetable construction.
2. Discuss the types and principles of timetable construction.
3. Explain the need and types of staff meeting.
4. Illustrate the process of staff meeting.
5. Discuss the causes and measures of absenteeism for staff.
6. Discuss the causes and measures of absenteeism for students.
7. Explain the importance and characteristics of secondary school code.
8. "Absenteeism in school leads to wastage of resources." comment with reference to causes
and measures to control absenteeism of students
9. Describe the principles of timetable construction.
10. State the types of timetable. Illustrate any five principles of timetable construction.
11. "Timetable mirrors the functioning of a school." Justify with reference to the principles of
timetable construction.
12. Elaborate the types of staff meeting.

Short Notes
1. Any five types/principles/importance of time table
2. Types/Need/Process of Staff Meeting
3. Any five causes/measures of absenteeism for staff.
4. Any five causes/measures of absenteeism for students.
5. Importance/Characteristics of Secondary School Code

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