Tahir Academy was born in 2014 as a result of a Majlis-e-Shura proposal of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. The objective of this initiative was to provide the human, organizational and financial resources that our Atfal and Nasirat needed. This is the text of the 2014 Majlis-e-Shura’s recommendations which were subsequently approved by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih (may Allah be his helper)

2014 USA Jama’at Majlis-e-Shura Recommendations

 The Tarbiyat sub-committee deliberated on 4/11/14, from 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM. The meeting began with Tilawat by Imam Hammad Ahmad sahib and Du`a led by Naib Ameer Dr. Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad Sahib.

The meeting concluded with Du`a led by Imam Mohammad Zafrullah Hanjra Sahib.

Proposal:
Approximately 2,000 Ahmadi Muslim children under the age of 15 (boys and girls) live in the United States. Special emphasis for the Tarbiyat of these children is needed. In the light of Huzoor’s (aba) recent Friday sermons on the importance of self-reformation, National Majlis-e-Amila recommends that Jama`at USA develop and implement a comprehensive Tarbiyat plan for all children under the age of 15.

Recommendations:
Five Jamaats are currently conducting comprehensive children classes in a “Sunday School” like fashion under the banner of “Tahir Academy.” The subcommittee expressed a strongly favorable opinion of Tahir Academies and recommended that the National Tarbiyat department should establish Tahir Academies in at least 25 different Jamaats during the 2014-15 year.

Salient features of Tahir Academy are: 

1. The operations, coordination and funding of Tahir Academy should be under the local Jamaat structure, supervised by the National Tarbiyat department.
2. Classes should be taken by missionaries (where available and continuity can be assured), auxiliary representatives, and other teachers as needed.
3. Though blending all the different syllabi (Atfal, Nasirat, etc) into a single syllabus is the ultimate goal, it should not be a requirement at this stage.
4. Tahir Academy should run for three terms per year, with each term holding at least 10 weekly sessions. Students should get a break during summer vacations and Ramadhan.
5. Tahir Academy should be for boys and girls between the ages 5-15 years. However, classes for students over the age of 10 years should be held separately for each gender.
6. Local policy decisions should be made by an advisory board, constituting the local Tarbiyat secretary, Missionary, Qaid Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Sadr Lajna Imaillah, Zaim Ansarullah, Secretary Waqf-e-Nau and Murrabi Atfal. Jamaat President will serve as the board chairman. The Board will nominate a Principal and administrative staff to run the Academy’s operations.
7. Since Tahir Academy will operate under the Jamaat umbrella, it is vital that other Jamaat or auxiliary programs should not compete with the predetermined schedule of Tahir Academy.
8. Tarbiyat department should be responsible for providing detailed materials such as handbook of policies and procedure, best practices etc.

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad – Chairman

Dr. Faheem Younus Qureshi – Secretary

Operational Policies

Absence

The administration should talk to the parents of any student who, without an acceptable excuse, misses more than three sessions in a semester. A student arriving late and leaving early without permission will be marked absent.

Age of Students

Tahir Academy is for Ahmadi Muslim boys and girls between the ages of 5-15 years. The student should be at least 5 years old on September 1st and have at least 1 year of preschool experience. Any child who turns 15 during a school year should stay in Tahir Academy until they successfully graduate by passing all exams. The local administration may recommend various strategies – including a delayed start – for younger children who are unable to demonstrate classroom readiness at age 5.

Annual Assessment

In order to avoid tedious monthly reporting, once annually, the National Tarbiyat Team will distribute a short multiple-choice survey to all academies and is to be filled out by the local principal. The purpose of this survey is to collect objective data so that the Tarbiyat Team can offer improvements and evaluate local implementation of guidelines.

The comprehensive scope of the survey questions allows the National Tarbiyat Team to use this information to determine which local academies are eligible for the Nusrat Jahan Center of Excellence Award. These academies will then be visited by a member of the National Tarbiyat Team for an onsite evaluation in addition to the information the principal submits. (also see, Section II: Center of Excellence)

Assembly

We recommend starting a Tahir Academy session with assembly, consisting of recitation of Holy Quran followed by Atfal and Nasirat reciting their respective pledges. Administration may include announcements based on local needs and keep the total duration of assembly under 10 minutes.

Auxiliary Classes

The objective of Tahir Academy is to strengthen our Atfal and Nasirat. This relationship is shown in the Venn diagram below. Please ensure auxiliaries are provided with a class of equal duration during the Tahir Academy day to go over auxiliary-specific initiatives (e.g., auxiliary Chanda, writing letters to Huzooraba, planning for Ijtema, handicrafts, sports, preparing for Ijtema competitions, etc.).

Avoid Scheduling Conflicts

It is a best practice to lock-in the Tahir Academy schedule for the whole year and communicate it to the local Jama’at and auxiliary office holders, at the beginning of the year. This will prevent scheduling conflicts with other Jama’at programs. The local board should ensure that the following point in the approved Shura proposal is respected: “Since Tahir Academy will operate under the Jama’at umbrella, it is vital that other Jama’at or auxiliary programs should not compete with the predetermined schedule of Tahir Academy.”

Center of Excellence

The Nusrat Jahan Center of Excellence Award recognizes those academies in the United States that have been operating for at least two years and are following the guidelines set forth in this policy handbook. The awards are presented at Jalsa Salana and are based on the information collected through the annual assessment conducted by the National Tarbiyat Team.

Local principals will be asked short, multiple choice questions in the annual assessment to ascertain the efficiency of their local academy in the following areas:

1. Administrative Qualities – Points are awarded based on the administrative expectations set in this handbook. This includes, but is not limited to, the number of classes in a year, the number of board and staff meetings held, average attendance of children enrolled, frequency of exams, etc.
2. Parental Engagement – Points are awarded based on parental satisfaction standards set in this handbook. This includes, but is not limited to, communication with parents (homework/report cards), holding field trips, parent/teacher meetings, etc.
3. Auxiliary Engagement – Points are awarded based on the degree of auxiliary engagement. This includes allowing time during each Academy session for auxiliary classes and aligning the content of that class with auxiliary-related activities other than Taleem and Tarbiyat. Active participation of auxiliary secretaries is also counted.
4. Bonus Activities – Points are awarded to those academies who go above and beyond the minimum criteria by including mosque cleaning, teacher training classes, offering extra Holy Quran recitation classes, etc.
5. Onsite Evaluation – National Tarbiyat Team member will observe each academy during an onsite evaluation. During the visit, the observer may interview parents, note the punctuality of classes, the average attendance and assess the physical set up of the academy.

Class Composition: Age-Based or Competency-Based?

Students should be grouped in a class according to their age. However, the teachers can place a student in a higher or lower grade based on competency. (also see, Section IV: Special Needs Children)

Class Duration

Children have short attention spans. A class should be no longer than 40 minutes. A typical Tahir Academy day requires approximately 3-hours of teaching, 30 minutes for salat and at least 1 hour for lunch and sports. Children must have at least 40 minutes of sports or fun time. (also see, Section V: Sample Schedule)

Communications

Principals are encouraged to create a local WhatsApp group, email group or other modalities where information can be disseminated to all parents in a timely fashion.

However, we strongly discourage discussing any complaint, conflicts or disagreement via these modalities.

Discipline

The principal should handle all disciplinary issues. The principal can form a committee to address issues on a case-by-case basis.

Do not punish or scold a child, especially in the absence of parents. Do not discuss the

performance/conduct of any child with other parents or any other teachers unless that other teacher is directly involved.

Suspension or termination of a student must always be made after seeking the local board’s input; also consult your local board for other disciplinary situations. Only under exceptional circumstances, and only after repeated attempts to resolve the issue, may a local board take such an action. However, students should never be excluded from attending their auxiliary classes or coming to the mosque.

Drop-off / Pickup

A parent is responsible for punctual drop-off and pick-up. Parents may authorize another Jamaat member to drop-off/pick-up their child only after consulting with their local principal.

Early Dismissal

Only the principal or vice principal may grant early dismissal, and only under exceptional circumstances. Students leaving before Zuhr Salat should be marked 1/2 absent for the day.

Gender-Related Questions

The board can appoint any male or female member of the Jama’at in good standing as the principal. Similarly, the board chair and principal (with mutual consultation) can appoint any male or female member of the Jama’at in good standing as a teacher or volunteer. It is a good practice to consult local Sadr Lajna before appointing female staff members to assure they are purdah observing.

Atfal and Nasirat over the age of 10 should be taught in separate classes. Combined classes of children over 10-years-old – in resource limited settings – could be held by any teacher with a physical screen between the two groups. Staff and board meetings involving both men and women should also be conducted with a physical screen in the room.

Holidays

Tahir Academy typically does not operate during Ramadan, summer break or winter break. Auxiliaries are encouraged to hold their independent classes during those months if they wish. The evolving dates of Ramadan should be taken into account when making the calendar for the academic year. Academies should strive to complete their 25 classes during the year. If Ramadan falls in the middle of the academic year, take a break during Ramadan and complete the remaining classes after Eid-ul-Fitr. The local board, however, can follow a different schedule depending upon the member’s needs as long as 25 sessions are completed per year. (see also, Section II: The School Year)

Homework

Parents are responsible for checking if their children are completing the assigned homework on time. Administration should provide timely feedback to parents if there is cause for concern.

Mid-Year Registration

Due to various reasons, a parent may want to enroll their child in Tahir Academy after a semester has already begun. In such a case, consider asking the parents to read the Tahir Academy Handbook and attend one full school day along with their child. After that, they should submit a completed registration form. The child should be allowed to join Tahir Academy from the first day of the next semester. However, exceptions to this rule can be made if the board recommends.

Mosque Cleaning

Students must be taught the responsibility and blessings that come with participating in mosque cleaning. Younger students should be given age appropriate work. Older students should be asked to help with vacuuming, trash removal, bathroom cleaning and other small tasks.

Official Logo

This is the approved Tahir Academy logo. Local academies can substitute “United States of America” with the name of their chapter. However, changing the font style, size, color, or customizing the logo in any other way is not allowed. Downloadable files are available at tahiracademy. org, under “Templates”.

Registration

Only a parent or legal guardian can register a child. Parents/ guardians should read the Tahir Academy Handbook and submit the registration form before the due date.

Rewards and Recognition

Administration should recognize the students’ hard work by issuing awards at the end of each semester or school year. However, please be extremely aware of favoritism and bias. The criteria for the rewards should be as objective as possible.

Report Cards

Report cards should be distributed twice a year; once after the midterms, and once after the final exams. Local academies are encouraged to grade students using the letter grading system and refrain from assigning first, second and third place positions to students based on tests. A report card template is available at tahiracademy.org under the tab for “Templates”.

Local academies may also allow a certain portion of their evaluation to come from homework, classwork, attendance, punctuality and adhering to local uniform policy as the local board may deem fit. (also see, Section V: Sample Report Card)

Sports & Extracurricular Activities

At least 40 minutes of organized and supervised sports (or other extracurricular activity) for boys and girls are an integral part of the Academy. Sports time should not be reduced or eliminated to accommodate additional academic instruction.

Syllabus

In 2016, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba instructed us to merge the Atfal and Nasirat syllabus. Huzooraba further asked us to develop this unified syllabus from the International Waqf-e-Nau syllabus. Alhamdolillah, with the blessings of Khilafat, we now have a single unified syllabus for our Atfal and Nasirat which is taught at all Tahir Academies.

The unified syllabus is comprised of six levels. Each level includes age appropriate instruction on recitation and memorization of Quran and Salat, in addition to Islamic history, values, auxiliary classes and other needed elements. A full break down of the unified syllabus is available at tahiracademy.org. Click the “Syllabus” tab at the top for a breakdown of the syllabus by level.

Each level is designed to be taught over the course of two years. This allows a student to fully understand the material. The repetition also strengthens retention of the didactic portion (memorization of Surah’s and Salat). Parents and principals are encouraged to pace a student through the syllabus rather than speeding through it.

Tests

There will be a midterm test at the end of the first semester (suggested as September-December) and a cumulative exam at the end of the second semester (suggested as January-June). Based on Huzoor’s aba guidance, Tahir Academies will work with Atfal and Nasirat to prepare and administer a single, unified midterm and cumulative test.

Principals should share the entire tests’ results, not only the auxiliary portions, with the local Nazim Atfal and Nasirat Secretary. These local auxiliary heads will then forward the test results to their national counterparts.

Workbooks

Unified workbooks, covering the syllabus for both Atfal and Nasirat, were published in 2017. Workbooks are divided into 6 levels according to a child’s age. Parents can order these workbooks directly from amibookstore.us. Search “Tahir Academy workbook” in the search bar of amibookstore website. Suggested price for each workbook is $10.

Tardiness

Attendance should be marked 10 minutes before the actual school day starts. For example, if the school starts at 10 am, attendance should be taken between 9:50 – 10:00 am. 10:01 am is defined as late. A parent should accompany a student arriving more than 15 minutes after the Academy begins. The parent may be asked to speak with the onsite principal/vice principal before a student is allowed to enter the class. The administration should promptly address habitual tardiness.

The School Year

The academic year comprises of 25 weekly sessions from September to June. The local administration should divide the year into two semesters, to cover the assigned syllabus. Tahir Academy dates should be decided after consultation with the local Jama’at to synchronize with other events. (see also, Section II: Holidays) Note point number 7 in the Shura proposal: “Since Tahir Academy will operate under the Jama’at umbrella, it is vital that other Jama’at or auxiliary programs should not compete with the predetermined schedule of Tahir Academy.”

Waqf-e-Nau Classes

Since the Tahir Academy syllabus is derived from the Waqf-e-Nau syllabus, our Waqifeen should gain significant benefit from joining Tahir Academy. However, the local Waqf-e-Nau Jama’at Secretary should hold their own classes at another date and time, if they deem necessary.

last updated: 11.17.2019

Duties and Concerns

The Local Tahir Academy Board

The board is responsible for appointing the principal, bringing all parties together, resolving conflicts amicably and supporting the operational needs of the academy. The board should assure compliance of their Tahir Academy operations with all applicable federal and state laws. The board is comprised of the following voting members:

Jama’at Sadr – Board Chairman

Missionary

Tarbiyat Secretary

Qaid Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya

Sadr Lajna Imaillah

Zaim Ansarullah

Local Principal

The vice principal(s), Nazim Atfal and Secretary Nasirat are non-voting board members. The board chair and the principal (with mutual consultation) should appoint the administrative staff and teachers. It is a good practice to consult local Sadr Lajna before appointing female staff members to assure they are purdah observing. (also see, Section III: Board Meetings)

The Local Tahir Academy Principal

Any male or female member of the local Jamaat can serve as the principal. The principal is responsible for preparing, publishing and distributing the school schedule in consultation with the teaching and administrative staff. The principal is also responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, scheduling parent-teacher meetings, addressing concerns and complaints, and keeping track of expenses.

The Local Tahir Academy Vice Principal

The principal defines the role of the vice principal.

The Teachers and Volunteers (Administration)

Teachers should use the prescribed syllabus, track student progress and provide appropriate and timely feedback to parents. A teacher should only sign up for a class if he/she can commit to taking the class for the whole semester.

It is the administration’s responsibility to make sure children perform wudhu, offer salat gracefully without fidgeting and stand shoulder-to-shoulder during salat. After salat, student should perform tasbeeh before talking and running.

It is the administration’s responsibility to teach students to begin and end their meals with prescribed prayers, educate them about not wasting food and supervise them during sports.

Roles & Responsibilities of Parents

Tahir Academy requires active engagement and a significant time commitment from the parents. It means that the habits children develop at Tahir Academy (e.g., correctly performing wudhu, offering salat, watching Friday sermons, using good language, wearing modest clothing, being kind to others, etc.) should be actively practiced and reinforced at home.

Parents should read this Tahir Academy Handbook, attend on a day when the academy is in session, and submit a completed registration form before the deadline. Each student, and their respective parent(s), are responsible for the procurement of prescribed books, required supplies and bringing such items to school. Parents should ensure timely pick-up and drop-off of their children.

Parental concerns should be brought directly to the attention of a principal or vice principal.

Roles & Responsibilities of Students

Students should greet everyone with “Assalamu Alaikum,” refrain from using cell phones in the class (even for note taking or digital references), follow the administration’s instructions, respect teachers and elders and take responsibility for bad conduct. Disciplinary action may be administered if needed.

Bullying, verbal or physical, will not be tolerated. Students should be diligent in completing the assigned homework and come to class prepared, which includes bringing their books and pencils. Students must observe the decorum and spirit of the Academy through their modest attire.

Addressing Administrations’ Concerns

Teachers or volunteers should promptly inform the principal of any concerns. Such concerns should be resolved at the lowest level possible, preferably after speaking with all the parties or meeting in person. Parents/students and teachers should first take their concerns to the principal, before going to the Jama’at Sadr or an auxiliary Sadr. Principals can engage the Jama’at Sadr and the Jama’at Sadr can engage National Tarbiyat Team, if needed.

Please do not discuss or resolve concerns overs emails, text messages, or other online platforms.

Local issues are complex and should, therefore, be discussed in the local board before escalating to national level. This is based on the Shura recommendation: “Local decisions should be made by an advisory board.”

Addressing Parents’ Concerns

Parents should bring all concerns to the principal or vice principal. In case of a dispute, the administration may ask the parent to write down their concerns and, then, address it in a timely and just fashion. Please do not discuss or resolve concerns overs emails, text messages, or similar online platforms.

Bullying

Tahir Academy is committed to each student’s success in learning within a caring, responsive, and safe environment that is free of discrimination, violence, and bullying. Anyone found bullying another student, whether physically or verbally, may be removed from the classroom. Parents of both parties involved may be asked to come in to speak with the local principal so that the matter can be resolved as amicably as possible.

Other students who witness bullying should stand up for the victim.

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, the local principal will make the school closing decision after consultation with the academy administration and teachers. The decision should be communicated to all parents through a reliable method, as early as possible. Parents should be cognizant of potentially disruptive weather and remain alert for the possibility of school closings.

Non-Ahmadi Muslim Students

Our experience has shown mixed results. Due to various complex reasons, and limited human and financial resources, we discourage including non-Ahmadi Muslim students in Tahir Academy.

One Mosque – Multiple Jama’ats

In many states, multiple Jama’ats participate in a shared Tahir Academy at one mosque. Under such circumstances, we recommend that the presidents of all these Jama’ats develop an agreement to have a single board and a single administration with adequate representation from all Jama’ats.

Personal Items

Bringing toys, sporting equipment and items from home is discouraged as it disrupts the learning process. Personal snacks and food items, unless pre-approved by the local administration for medical/allergy reasons, should also not be brought to class.

Special Needs

Children with disabilities and learning differences are welcome to enroll in Tahir Academy. Parents of such children are requested to contact the principal well in advance so proper arrangements can be made.

Home schooling

Since one of the objectives of Tahir Academy is for children to fall in love with the mosque, the physical attendance at the weekly session is critical. Some parents drive over two hours, one-way, so their children can experience the mosque environment. But each situation is different.

If a child is unable to physically attend regular classes (due to distance or other reasons), they may gain partial benefit by learning the syllabus and supporting materials at home. Parents may choose to enroll such children in their local Tahir Academy and teach them at home.

In such a case, the parents should comply with the plan regarding homework, exams, promotions, field trips, etc. which the local academy’s administrators recommend. When in doubt, administrators should err on the side of compassion.

Volunteering

The minimum age for volunteers at the school is 15 years (a Khadim/Lajna), or students in the 9th grade or above. Exceptions may be made for senior Atfal/Nasirat under the age of 15 who are eager to help. Student volunteers may receive credit for student service-learning hours. It is the student’s responsibility to check with their school to ensure that Tahir Academy is an acceptable choice for fulfilling his or her volunteer hours.

Board Meetings

A quarterly in-person board meeting is recommended, with a minimum of three board meetings a year. The board is responsible for bringing all parties together, amicably resolving conflicts, and supporting the local Academy. The vice-principal(s), Nazim Atfal and Nasirat Secretary may attend board meetings as non-voting members.

Each member is responsible for ensuring board meeting attendance. Board meetings should be conducted with a screen separating men and women. Both sides can discuss matters of concern.

The principal or board chair should schedule the board meeting, with mutual consultation. (see also, Section V: Sample Board Meeting Agenda)

Parent Teacher Meetings

At least two in-person parent-teacher meetings are recommended during a school year. Such meetings are best held towards the end of a semester and prior to testing. (see also, Section V: Sample Parent Teacher Meeting Agenda)

Staff Meetings

The local administration can decide the frequency and duration of staff meetings (e.g., principal, vice principal(s), teachers, volunteers, etc.) on an as-needed basis. However, we recommend at least three staff meetings a year (before the Academy begins, before the parent/teacher conference, and before the final exam). (see also, Section V: Sample Staff Meeting Agenda)

Every year, the National Tarbiyat Department will determine each academy’s budget based on its number of students.

Funding is available for food, school supplies and field trips.

Kindly note that all Tahir Academy expense submission and reimbursement takes place at the local level, with the local Finance Secretary.

Field Trips

We recommend that Tahir Academy administration should plan two field trips every year. One of these trips could be a picnic of all students and parents. Children are visual learners and field trips are opportunities to interact in a stimulating environment. This helps them build on classroom instruction, gain a better understanding of topics and exposes them to worlds outside their own. Picnics allow parents to spend time with their children in a relaxed atmosphere.

Currently, we allocate a maximum of $10 per child/annually for field trips. The parents are expected to bridge the difference if the trip costs more than $10/child. Please submit a reimbursement request only for the students who went on the field trip. 

Parents and administration are expected to pay for their own expenses. Under unique circumstances, the administration may request additional contributions from parents to offset the cost of the field trip. However, no student should be denied participation in the field trip because of his/her inability to contribute towards the cost.