DSEK to host education conclave for cluster heads

Srinagar, Nov 17: Directorate of the School Education Kashmir (DSEK) is holding a day long conclave for the cluster heads to update them with the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020.

The conclave has been planned to discus early childhood care and education besides the strategies to curtail the drop outs from schools and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy.

The themes, as per the official document have been selected in consonance to NEP-2020. It also includes discussion and understanding of Curriculum (NCF-FS & NCF-SE) recommendations, Transforming Culture of Assessment, discussion on 21st century skills and equitable and inclusive education.

The decision to hold the conclave comes around three years after the implementation of the NEP-2020 by the School Education Department (SED) of Jammu and Kashmir. As per the official communication addressed to all the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) of Kashmir division, the DSEK has stated that the Cluster Heads play a pivotal role in the implementation of the NEP-2020 school level and need to be "well abreast" with the recommendations and guidelines of the policy to envision the school reform in particular and educational reform in general as envisaged in the policy.

As per the communication, the Conclave will be held in collaboration with Times Group on November 23 of 2024 at Kothi Bagh Girls Higher Secondary School (HSS) at 10am.

"The Conclave is being organised to update the Cluster heads about NEP-2020. This workshop will be a valuable opportunity for school heads to deepen their understanding of NEP 2020, explore best practices, and develop strategies for embedding the policy within their clusters and schools," the communication reads.

The DSEK has stated that the NEP-2020 being a landmark reform in Indian education aims at overhauling the country's educational framework.

"It emphasizes a holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary approach to education, focusing on critical thinking experiential learning and life skills," the communication reads.

The key aspects of the NEP include the introduction of foundational literacy and numeracy integration of technology, a flexible curriculum with Vocational concerns, emphasis on Indian languages, and fostering inclusivity in education.

"The policy aims to prepare students for the future, making education more accessible, equitable, and aligned with 21st-century skills," the communication reads.

The conclave has been planned for Cluster heads to deepen their understanding of NEP 2020, explore best practices, and develop strategies for embedding the policy within their clusters and schools.

The Conclave has been organised solely for the School Principals and "no substitute will be entertained."

"They will come fully, prepared on the allotted theme of NEP-2020 so that they can deliberate effectively," the communication reads.