Bihar Schools to Hold Monthly Themed PTMs to Strengthen Parent-Teacher Engagement

Patna: In a bid to boost communication between parents and teachers and improve student outcomes, the Bihar Education Department has introduced a structured annual calendar for Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) in government schools for the academic session 2025–26.

Starting this month, PTMs will be held on the last Saturday of every month, each with a specific theme aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the engagement.

Why PTMs Matter

Parent-Teacher Meetings are a vital link in the education ecosystem. They offer parents an opportunity to understand their child’s progress and challenges, while also allowing teachers to communicate their observations and expectations. However, officials observed that the impact of PTMs had been fading due to inconsistent formats and lack of planning across schools.

According to the Directorate of Primary Education, field visits revealed that PTMs were being conducted in a haphazard manner, reducing their effectiveness. To address this, the department has rolled out a uniform calendar with pre-set monthly themes and action points.

Thematic Calendar to Guide Engagement

Each PTM will now revolve around a specific theme. These themes aim to bring consistency in discussions and ensure that all important aspects of a child’s schooling—from academics to hygiene, government schemes to emotional well-being—are covered.

Monthly PTM Themes for 2025–26:

31 May: We will study, grow and learn
28 June: Attendance and government schemes
26 July: Vocational skills, health, hygiene and nutrition
30 August: Play and learn
27 September: Our Bihar will become advanced
25 October: No PTM (Chhath and Diwali holidays)
29 November: Every child will now be a part of the school
24 December: Every child is the best child
31 January: We and you will together do the overall development of children
28 February: Preparation for the exam is our responsibility
29 March: School and parents together – from admission to progress

Before each PTM, video conferencing from the state level will be conducted to guide school heads and teachers on the monthly theme and discussion points.

Experience-Based Conversations and Campus Tours

During the meetings, teachers will engage parents in experience-based conversations, asking for their feedback about the school and their child’s learning journey. Parents will also get a tour of school facilities such as classrooms, libraries, smart classes, pink rooms (for girl students), toilets, clean drinking water setups, nutrition gardens, and sports complexes.

Teachers will explain the importance and use of these facilities to parents, encouraging a stronger sense of collaboration and trust between schools and families.

Looking Ahead

With nearly 72,000 government schools in the state, this move is expected to standardize parent-teacher interaction, bridge communication gaps, and increase parental involvement in school activities. The Bihar Education Department hopes that a well-informed and engaged parent body will lead to better attendance, improved academic performance, and stronger community ownership of public education.