Community Participation in Elementary Education and COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Public Schools in Bihar

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected elementary education adversely and exacerbated the pre-existing challenges. In such a situation, community support has become crucial and it can be ensured through School Education Committee (SEC). An empirical qualitative study was conducted to understand the notion of community in such a situation. Thematic analysis, triangulation, and purposive sampling were used. The study revealed that the community is willing to support but the education system has failed substantially to materialize it. We advocate for immediate interventions to reduce friction in the process of community participation in elementary education.

Keywords

Education local governance decentralization community participation school management committee COVID-19

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