The Union HRD ministry has been addressing the nation’s education system ever since the draft Education Policy was introduced. Here we are discussing 13 initiatives taken by the government to improve standards of teaching:
Learning according to subject
Several of the central rules of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 have been amended in order to include references to class-wise, and subject-wise learning outcomes to give greater emphasis to quality education. Learning outcomes have been finalized and shared with all states and universities for language classes (Hindi, English, and Urdu), mathematics, science, environmental studies and social studies up to the elementary level. States and UTs can use these guidelines as a guide to ensure that all children attain appropriate learning levels.
National Achievement Survey (NAS)
Each year, students in classes 3, 5, 8, and 10 are surveyed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Class 5 has taken part in four rounds of the National Achievement Survey (NAS), and classes 3 and 8 have taken part in three rounds. Results show that learners’ achievement levels have improved from the first to the fourth round in identified subjects.
Teachers must have a minimum qualification
As a result of the amendment to Section 23(2) of the RTE Act, in-service training for untrained elementary teachers in all states and UTs will be extended until March 31, 2019.
By March 31, 2019, all in-service teachers in government, government-assisted, and private schools who are not trained will be required to obtain the minimum qualification laid down by a government-authorized academic authority.
ODL (Open Distance Learning) training was conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). This online D.El.Ed. the program began on October 3, 2017, and will complete on March 31, 2019.
BEd degree structure
On March 29, 2019, the official gazette published regulation for a four-year BEd integrated course to improve the quality of teacher education in India, and applications are being invited from June 31, 2019.
In addition to gender, inclusive education, ICT, yoga, Global Citizenship Education (GCED), and Health & Sanitation, the model curriculum includes crucial elements. The primary and secondary education levels would be the main focus of the teaching specialization.
Education of High Quality To Improve Standards of Teaching
As announced on January 11, 2019, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Act, 2018 came into effect. The said Act empowers the government to make a decision on whether to retain a child in class 5 or 8 or in both classes, or whether or not to retain a child in any class until elementary education is completed. As a result of the Act, the quality of education will be improved, as well as the learning levels of children.
Achieving educational equality
Samagra Shiksha is the new integrated scheme of the indian government that replaces the three erstwhile Centrally Sponsored schemes of school education, Arya Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Teacher Education (CSSTE).).
Expansion internationally
The Government of India has decided to participate in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) program for international students assessment (PISA) scheduled for 2021.
PISA measures student competencies rather than content-based assessments, thus enabling students to fully participate in contemporary societies.
Learnings from participating in PISA contribute to reforming the school system by introducing competency-based exams. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) are involved in the preparation of the actual test.
Festivals of culture
Students, teachers, and other stakeholders attended Rangotsav, a cultural festival held in schools between December 7 and 21, 2018, to learn about and celebrate the rich diversity of Indian culture.
The aim of Ragnatsav is to provide a non-judgmental platform for participants to exercise their artistic minds through dance, music, theater, paintings, crafts, etc.
Through the fortnight-long event, the participants were encouraged to express themselves in any way that they wished.
Grading system
As a means of objectively evaluating the state and UT school education systems, the Ministry of Human Resources Development has created an evaluation matrix based on 70 indicators called the Performance Grading Index (PGI). Based on inputs provided by the respective states and UTs, the indicators have been chosen following extensive stakeholder consultation. State and UT officials can use this grading system to identify gaps and create interventions to bridge them.
Integrated data
You need accurate and current data for sound planning and decision-making. A well-functioning and sustainable Education Management Information System is vital to meeting this goal. UDISE plus was launched during the 2018-19 academic year to gather data from all schools in order to make more effective decisions.
Teacher and student e-learning materials
Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) has been developed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to provide students with additional learning materials and to help teachers upgrade their knowledge. In this portal, ministry-backed e-learning materials are uploaded by states and UTs for students and teachers alike. Teachers’ technical skills will be enhanced substantially and at no additional cost by this program.
Innovations in-classroom study
Rashtriya Aavishkar Abhiyan (RAA) is a program launched on 09.07.2015 to motivate and engage children of the age group 6-18 years, both inside and outside the classroom, to become proficient in science, mathematics, and technology.
As part of the ministry of human resource development, the central government assists states and UTs with literacy and comprehension programs in early grades and early mathematics in the foundational years of schooling through a sub-program called ‘Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat’ (PBBB).
MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)
SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) is a Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) platform launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development on July 9, 2017. Online courses are available for middle school and high school students at the portal. In the next few years, NCERT will develop course modules for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for the school education system in 12 subject areas accounting, business studies, biology, chemistry, geography, mathematics, economics, history, physics, political science, psychology, and sociology.
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