New Delhi: Homeschooling and other alternative methods of school are ready to be accepted as a formal method of education, The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Tuesday in its final National Credit Framework (NCRF) report recommended sweeping changes to India’s schooling system, including multiple exit and entry points for students and a single credit system.
The comprehensive policy, which comes under the Modi government’s comprehensive National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, seeks to introduce multiple entry and exit options at the school level for students who either want to go for vocational training or for some reason want to leave school.
can come in the form of Relief to many students who have opted for homeschooling after the pandemic. There is currently no policy on homeschooling. Students need to get their class 10 and class 12 board exam certificates as credentials for further opportunities.
NCRF says homeschooling, online education and alternative education should be validated and students should be given certificates and diplomas for them,
“There are occasions when learners pursue alternative schooling, homeschooling, online schooling or have to leave their education midway due to various reasons. The National Credit Framework will act as an enabler in this regard and regulators will be required to define entry and exit criteria for the programs being offered by them,” the document reads.
It also attempts to establish credit at all levels – a measure of the number of hours a student undertakes and the amount of coursework completed. The credit system will replace the existing system of coursework scoring.
first developed last October and Free For public feedback, NCRF aims to bring Schooling, Higher Education and Skilling under one assessment umbrella.
The framework has been jointly developed by several educational bodies – UGC, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and National Council of Vocational Education and Training. (NCVET) – To facilitate “a seamless transition of students from school to college”, says the policy document.
The UGC notice advised schools to implement the policy in phases.
The document was released days after the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) recommended Sweeping changes in school education, including two board exams, and the option to drop out after class 10 to pursue vocational education.
credit system
The final policy document released on Tuesday said students will get credit based on any prior education they have received, including “family education received through formal, informal or traditional means”.,
“It will also take into account family heritage, work experience, cluster-based education and education earned through crediting the same, thereby allowing for progress and mobility in the formal education system,” the policy document said.
As per the framework, an academic year will be defined by the number of hours put in by a student and credit will be awarded accordingly at the end of each academic year.
The document also mentions that all students from class 5 to post-graduate level will have to complete 1,200 academic hours in a year.
Credits will be given on the basis of Classroom Teaching/Learning, Laboratory Work, Class Projects, Sports & Games, Yoga, Physical Activities, Performing Arts, Music, Handicraft Work, Social Work, NCC, Bag-Less Days, Examination, Vocational. Education, training and skills as well as field visits, the report said.
The report states that students will also get credit for Olympiads, science quizzes, internships and jobs while studying in the college.
(Edited by Uttara Ramaswamy)
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