IMPORTANCE OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES AND SHARING OF BEST PRACTICES
Where ever a process is involved procedure of managing the process can be drawn out. Across the institutions and within in an institution itself similar works where the same process is involved, a well-drawn out SOP provides clarity and standard. These SOPs provide how a process can be carried out in an effective and efficient manner.
▪️CBSE has brought out some Essential Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) required for Affiliation which include:
1) Composite Science Laboratory 2) Physics laboratory 3) Biology 4) Chemistry Laboratory 5) Mathematics Laboratory 6) Computer science Laboratory 7) Library and 8) Sports Infrastructure. (Link to all these SOPs are attached for reference). CBSE also releases SOPs related to conduct of examinations, practical assessments, procedures of registrations etc.
Working for the similar goal, usually schools follow multiple similar operations, with a little bit of difference in implementation procedure. However, the procedures to handle these processes are based on written down documents or verbal directions and simply the practices as being followed.
The areas for which these SOPs are required include School Transport Management, School clinics or Infirmary, School Assembly proceedings, Safety Procedures and Emergency evacuation Policy, Academic management, Personnel Management (selection, induction, appraisal and promotion, disciplinary procedures, retention policy, exit interviews). The list can be manifold.
In a world of heterogeneity where there are hundreds of schools, managing different strata under different conditions, yet aligned to a common goal, that is the holistic development of the future bearers, with safety and dignity, there is no harm in handholding each other in terms of sharing what is best with them and where we all need to improve, since the best form of education is to bring about a change in and around ourselves.
When educationists share their best practices it helps others to reflect and improve their performance of handling the various processes in a more effective manner, and hence intentionally or unintentionally contribute to the development of a better world.
Although, some institutions may not feel comfortable to share their documents as it may violate the non-disclosure policy the institution has, yet without the institutional credential in the documents, certain guidelines or practices relating to any particular area or situation can be communicated as a success story or situational procedure that can benefit a larger group.
This will not only enhance the understanding of administrators and leaders helping them modify the presently followed policies but will also bring in a better standard in the educational sector regarding various processes involved in their operations without compromising the individual specific requirements.
When good practices are shared usually it generates a discussion among members who come across it, followed by sharing of thoughts ,suggestions and advice ultimately setting common standards which can be followed by all.
This can prove very beneficial in few instances which usually are not much known to the institutions as such or in vulnerable situations where even well-established institutions could panic. For example, what are the procedures to be followed in case a school bus meets an accident? In such situations, a better understanding of the procedures to be followed, steps to go with like first the rescue, first aid, safety, shifting to hospital for treatment, Information to parents, information to authorities and legal proceedings and be very helpful to handle the situation.
Thus sharing such practices in a large group cannot only disseminate important information but also edify institutions to handle it confidently and proficiently.
▪️SCHOOL QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK ( SQAAF)
In the sustainable Development Goals of 2030, one of the major goals is the Quality Education towards achieving Global Excellence. This is remarkably one among the major objectives of NEP 2020. SQAA covers seven domains which are the key performing areas for any educational institution with the first domain - Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment bearing 40 % weightage and all other six domains having a 10 % weightage each.
The other domains are Infrastructure, Human resources, Inclusive practices, Management and Governance, Leadership and Beneficiary Satisfaction. While an institution assesses itself, it needs to present evidences and how these processes are operated needs to be proved with evidences of formats being used and pictures supporting the activities etc. It is here the SOPs too become important.
Earlier it was commonly understood as a Quality Assessment and Accreditation and it lead to lots of speculations among the school leaders. Hence to remove the stigma of threat and fear of what if not qualified for accreditation, the word Accreditation is replaced with ASSURANCE.
The purpose of SQAA is a planned and continuous improvement of each institution. The SQAA Manual has already been shared before and the link is attached for the reference.
(About the writer: Johnson P J (Principal), GD Goenka Public School, Srinagar)
https://saras.cbse.gov.in/sqaa
https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/ChemistryLabSOP.pdf
https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/CompositeScienceLabSOP.pdf
https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/PhysicsLabSOP.pdf
https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/MathematicsLabSOP.pdf
https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/BiologyLabSOP.pdf
https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/ComputerLabSOP.pdf
https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/LibrarySOP.pdf
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