Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. Educational methods include story telling, discussion, teaching, training, and directed research. Education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators, however learners may also educate themselves. Education can take place in formal or informal settings and any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts may be considered educational. The methodology of teaching is called pedagogy.

Formal education is commonly divided formally into such stages as Preschool or Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary school , Higher Secondary School and then College, University, or apprenticeship.

A Right to Education has been recognized by some governments. In most regions, Education is compulsory up to a certain age. There is a movement for education reform, and in particular for evidence-based education.

Department of Education Mission and Vision Statement 

Mission 

The mission of the Education Department is to develop an ethos and a learning community which promote:

• A shared understanding of and an engagement with our core values between all those engaged in education;

• The values, skills, knowledge and understanding needed to be an effective agent for change;

• A commitment to continuing personal and professional development;

• A respect for and commitment to individual potential; • Intellectual honesty.

We will do this by/through:

• honouring our commitment to our core values

• Developing critical and reflective thinking

• developing empowering and efficient systems to support us • acknowledging and learning from mistakes

• creative, innovative, inspirational teaching and learning

• collaboration and partnership

• encouraging risk taking and challenge

• regularly reviewing and revisiting our policies and practices

• encouraging and modelling sustainable work practices

Vision 

The Department of Education works in close partnership with schools, Local Authorities, NGOs and a range of cultural and educational organisations. We provide high quality learning, teaching and research as a means to a better future for all. We see education as a powerful vehicle for personal and social change within the wider community locally and globally. We aim to develop a community of learners which inspires and supports reflective educators who share our core values.

These are:

• Equality

• Celebrating diversity

• Democratic participation

• Justice

• Human rights

• Sustainability

• Inclusion

• Mutual respect

The work of the Department is underpinned by our commitment to diversity and equality for all.

I am pleased to provide Focus 2019 to help you shape the directions for your school for next year.

As we enter into the final year of our current strategic plan for public schools, Focus 2019 prioritises actions that continue to support our commitment to a culture of high performance and high care.

An imperative of our strategic plan is strengthening the role of school leadership in creating and maintaining a culture in which high quality teaching is developed and growth in student achievement is always central to decision making.

We will support this endeavour through the school review process by placing school self-assessment as the foundation for school improvement.

In addition, our leadership strategy aims to increase the support provided to both current and future leaders.

At the same time our moral imperative is demonstrated through
the care and development of each and every student. 

By ensuring student wellbeing and a sense of belonging, all our Focus actions are designed to set conditions for successful learning for our students from the beginning of their schooling to their transition to adult life.

We will also maintain, as a priority, the wellbeing of our school
leaders and staff and you will see in Focus the actions to provide support, training and resources.

I acknowledge your efforts and achievements to draw on Focus 2019 as you work with your school community in planning for the year ahead.

CEO Udhampur