Developing a model of total quality management for primary school education

Abstract

This paper examines the concept and strategies of Total QualityManagement (TQM), in order to develop a model of TQM based schooleducation for implementation in primary education in India. It begins witha description of the challenges in Indian education. After defining theconcept of TQM, a philosophy developed for industry by W.E.Demingand adapted to education, it examines its application in the U.S.A. andU.K. A study of the differences between the two nations leads to theanalysis that TQM succeeds best as a local school-based initiative. TQMis adaptable as a generic model suitable to the diversity in Indianeducation. TQM is an attitude towards school improvement broadenough to encompass the multifarious needs for school reform in India.The paper posits a model for TQM in schools, along with enablingconditions and possible pitfalls. Based on the research work in theprimary schools of Kamataka, a detailed blueprint for reform is evolved,which incorporates the TQM way of thinking with the major requirementsfor school improvement. These include: systemic thinking with theschool as unit, a decentralized management structure, teacherdevelopment, teamwork and collegiality, school-level leadership,involvement of the community, focus on the process of learning, andnon-threatening assessment. The major findings and policy implicationsflowing from the findings are summarized in the table below.