DC Kulgam launches ‘Classes of Joy’

Kulgam, Jul 24: District administration Kulgam, in collaboration with the Pratham Foundation and the School Education department, Thursday launched the ‘Classes of Joy’ initiative to bridge learning gaps in foundational literacy and numeracy among primary and middle school students.
The initiative was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, who highlighted that the program follows the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach.
This method is designed to improve literacy and numeracy skills among primary-level students, particularly in low-resource settings, by tailoring instruction to the actual learning levels of students rather than their age or grade, he added.
Khan emphasized that classrooms should become ‘sources of joy’ where every student can thrive and reach their fullest potential. He elaborated that the first phase will involve a 100-day learning program in all 458 government primary and middle schools of the district, followed by a reassessment and a second 100-day round.
He further added that TaRL focuses on simple assessments to determine students’ current abilities, grouping them according to learning levels, and using engaging, activity-based teaching methods with daily practice to build core skills.