Following our series of blog posts on the salient features of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, we bring you the last blog post introducing you to further features of the policy:
Standard-setting and accreditation for school education

The NEP outlines a new system for setting standards and ensuring quality across all schools (private, public and philanthropic) at all levels, including pre-school education. It includes the following:
Department of School Education: This department takes the lead in monitoring the overall school education system and establishing policy structures for continuous improvement.
Directorate of School Education: This body handles the day-to-day operations and service delivery within the public school system at the state level.
State School Standards Authority (SSSA): Each state/UT will establish an independent SSSA. This body will be responsible for:

• Defining a minimum set of essential quality standards that all schools in the state must meet.
• Making this information publicly accessible through a dedicated website.

School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Framework (SQAAF): Developed by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in consultation with various stakeholders (including teachers, parents, and educational experts), the SQAAF will set the criteria, benchmarks and processes for assessing and accrediting schools.

Public and Private School Accreditation: All schools (except those centrally managed/aided/controlled by the government) will undergo assessment and accreditation based on the same SQAAF framework. This promotes transparency in quality standards across all schools.

SCERT and NCERT Collaboration: The SCERT, at the state level, will work closely with the national NCERT to develop the SQAAF. This collaboration ensures alignment with national guidelines while allowing for state-specific adaptations.

Vocational education

The NEP recognizes the value of vocational education in preparing students for diverse career paths. Its key goals and strategies are as under:

• Broadening access and exposure (by 2025)

50% target: At least half of all students in the school and higher education system will have the opportunity to explore vocational education options.

Early start: Vocational exposure will begin in middle and secondary school to create a smooth transition into more advanced vocational training in higher education.

• Integration and collaboration

Phased integration: Over the next decade, vocational education will be progressively integrated into the curriculum of all secondary schools.

Building partnerships: Secondary schools will collaborate with Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), polytechnics, local industries and other relevant organizations to leverage expertise and resources.

Skill labs: Schools will be equipped with well-resourced skill labs to provide students with hands-on training environments.

Focus on adult education and lifelong learning

The NEP recognizes the importance of lifelong learning and aims to provide accessible and engaging opportunities for adults to continue their education. Initiatives under this include:

• Building a strong foundation

New NCERT body: A dedicated body within the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will be established to develop a comprehensive adult education curriculum framework.

Diverse programme offerings: The framework will encompass at least five distinct programme types, each with clearly defined learning outcomes:

• Foundational literacy and numeracy skills development
• Essential life skills training (financial literacy, digital literacy, vocational skills, health awareness etc.)
• Vocational skills development programmes
• Basic education programmes
• Continuing education courses (covering a wide range of topics in arts, sciences, technology, culture, sports and recreation)
• Expanding learning spaces

Leveraging existing resources: Schools and public libraries will be utilized beyond regular school hours to host adult education courses. Whenever possible, these spaces will be equipped with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools.

Community engagement: These learning spaces will serve not only as centers for adult education but also as hubs for community engagement and enrichment activities.

• Ensuring quality instruction

Trained educators: A dedicated group of trained instructors and educators will deliver the adult education curriculum to learners.

Community involvement: Qualified members of the community, including those affiliated with higher education institutions, will be encouraged to participate in short training programmes and volunteer their expertise as instructors.

• Harnessing technology

Tech-enabled learning: The initiative emphasizes the development of technology-based learning options for adults. This includes:

• Educational apps
• Online courses and modules
• Satellite-based TV channels offering educational content
• Online libraries with digital resources
• Upgrading ICT infrastructure in libraries and Adult Education Centers

On the whole, the NEP 2020 is an inclusive policy that seeks to transform India’s education system into equitable, quality-driven and the one that prepares students for success in a demanding world.

With this blog post, we bring to a close our series of blog posts on ‘Key features of NEP 2020: School Education’.