SCERT develops foundational education

There is vast literature on education and economic development confirming that education promotes economic development. Research, skills, knowledge, training, human capital, and social capital etc., are derived directly or indirectly from education. All these components are necessary drivers of growth and development. Realizing the importance of Research and Development (R&D) in an economy in general and education system in particular, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) were set up. Both are autonomous bodies of the Government of India. Fomer is at state level while as later is at national level.

Training at all levels of education is a must because it improves efficiency levels of teachers which in turn is reflected in better learning outcomes. Pre-service as well as post-service training programs promote education at all levels- pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary. When we talk about training in education we can’t forget National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE). It formally oversee procedures, standards, and processes in the Indian education system. One of the main goals of this council is to provide training to individuals so as to make them fit to teach pre-primary, primary, secondary and senior secondary stages in schools. Moreover, it aims at providing training to teach part-time and non-formal education, distance education, and adult education courses. It recognizes SCERT as a nodal agency for admission, curriculum development, course conduct, examination, guidance, and certification of pre-service training programme in the area of pre-primary teacher education and elementary education. That is to say that SCERT has an important role in the development of foundational education.

For stimulating foundational education, District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) plays crucial role. It is established at the district level and plays a significant role in teacher education, training, and development. The SCERT also oversees and offers necessary guidance towards effective functioning of DIET’s which among other activities also conducts 2 years pre-service Diploma Course in Elementary Teacher Education. Economic reforms of 1991 did wonders in many areas and education is no exception. DIET’s were envisioned in the National Education Policy 1986. They were created by the Government of India in the early 1990s in order to strengthen elementary education and promote the decentralization of education to the district level. As far as National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) is concerned, it is beyond what is seen and observed. In the 21st century, it is the first education policy aiming to resolve many budding developmental issues of our country. It proposes the revising and revamping of all constituents of the educational structure taking account of its regulation and governance. This proposition has dual effect: on one hand, it creates such a system that is in accordance with sustainable development Goals and on another hand, it creates harmony with India’s traditions and value systems.

NEP 2020 supports and develops holistic syllabus in education for it drives good teaching-learning outcomes and has capacity to bring desirable changes in the society.

For the academic year 2023-2024, a comprehensive “Academic Calendar cum Syllabus” has been released by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) for the first time in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The syllabus is in compliance with the most recent instructions published by NCERT. Furthermore, it supports the NEP-2020 policy in improving educational standards. There should be a good interface between learning materials and learning outcomes if educational standards have to be raised. A million dollar question is how to build a good liason between the two. For that matter we need a constructive dialogue making between educational experts at all levels (especially NCERT and SCERT experts). It is good to see the SCERT revised syllabus linking the learning outcomes with the learning material in the J&K Board of School Education’s (JKBOSE) recommended textbooks reflecting hardwork by NCERT and SCERT experts.

Both NCERT and SCERT official documents and publications have proved very beneficial from time to time in school education. This comprehensive SCERT document encompasses different aspects of teaching-learning process and lesson plan is no exception. It is very effective tool in teaching-learning process. Accordingly, we see Jammu and Kashmir outperforming all other states and union territories in the nation. Our students are shining day by day and making a better path for themselves nationally as well as internationally. This new and thorough document comprises the foundational level coupled with education system of classes 1 to 8. The syllabus intends to shift focus away from traditional rote learning towards competence and experience based learning. It will help in developing critical thinking among teachers and students. The best part of this document is that it is in accordance with the contemporary NCERT standards alongside the policy of NEP-2020. It strives to give instructors the opportunity to develop their lesson plans in the most productive manner. For all stakeholders in education sector, this document is accessible in sections on the SCERT website. It will for sure raise educational standards in Jammu and Kashmir and guide both teachers and students in knowledge acquisition and human capital formation.

There should be a good interface between SCERT and NCERT. In order to achieve desired educational goals at all levels it is very important to link all educational and training councils with all educational schemes like SSA, Samagra Shiksha, RMSA, etc. Moreover, these councils must foster collaboration among educational institutions, government agencies, CEOs, educational experts, community organizations, and industry experts. Such collaborative efforts must be productive in the sense that they should develop good educational policies and create platforms for human and social capital formation, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilization to improve the overall quality of education.

Dr. Binish Qadri, Former, Assistant Professor, Cluster University, Srinagar