Modern Primary Education: Job Stress and Role Structure

Education is eulogized by all civilized societies through centuries. It was given a place of pride and important role to play in national reconstruction and social well-being. India particularly regarded education as a means of improving efficiency in all kinds of activities (Yogah Karmasu Kausalam) and as a means of liberating from all kinds of bondages (Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktayee). The constitution of India very well recognized the importance of education in the directives of state policy and Government of India have shown their interest in improving education both qualitatively and quantitatively. The vision of education for India is contained in article 45 of its constitution: "Free and compulsory education for all children until they complete the age of 14". Since independence Government of India has expanded the provision of primary, formal and non-formal education to realise the vision and have attended high gross enrollment rates in primary schools. But India has come late to its emphasis on primary education compared with some countries, where focusing on primary education has helped to achieve high economic growth with equity and sharply reduce poverty. Although a large share of school-age children in India enrolls at the beginning of primary school, about forty percent drop out before completing the cycle. The overall challenge for India is to sustain and deepen current reforms in primary education in an era of fiscal adjustment and increasing administrative and political decentralization. Strategies for expanding and improving primary education will need to be planned and managed locally to address the diverse constraints on primary education, with a sharper focus on cost-effectiveness. This book covers the various features of modern primary education. It takes a deep delved study in role-structure, role-stress and work satisfaction of primary school teachers in particular and modern primary education in general. It is hoped that this book will prove useful to teachers and administrators of primary education.