State of primary education discussed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 10 2024:
An academic discourse held at JN Manipur Dance Academy, DM University complex has advocated formulation of a policy to streamline the functioning of pre-primary schools/foundational stage of education.
Organised under the theme "Foundational Stage Under NEP 2020", the academic discourse was jointly organised by Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), All Manipur Recognised Private Schools' Welfare Association (AMRPSWA), Bishnupur District Recognised Private Schools' Association (BDRPSA), Private Schools' Development Council (PSDC), Thoubal and United Association of Recognised Schools of Manipur (UARSOM), today.
Some resolutions were taken during the discourse and they were to formulate a policy for pre-primary schools and foundational stage of education, start a training programme for teachers of foundational stage of education under NEP 2020 (5+3+3+4) education system from this year onwards and to introduce a 4 year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) in Manipur to make sure there is no shortage of teaching staff in the State.
The academic discourse also urged the Government to formulate a policy to regulate pre primary teaching education institutions and pre-primary schools.
Retired Professor of Manipur University Dr W Nabakumar moderated the discourse which was attended by several teachers, students and intellectuals.
At the event, DESAM president M Somorjit Meitei said that Manipur was unprepared at the time of implementing NEP 2020, especially for the foundational stage due to non formulation of a policy by lawmakers to adapt to the change.
He also said that it would be a loss for Manipur society if no initiative is taken up to better the education system.
Asking why the State Government is still not formulating any policy to streamline the functioning of pre primary schools or foundational stage of the education system and not establishing a teacher training institutes for those who will teach from pre nursery to Class-II standard, Somorjit questioned who will supervise the syllabus, curriculum and teaching method at the preprimary stage of the education.