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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
No 3rd language for even higher classes in SCERT's draft curriculum framework
Forced to withdraw its decision to introduce Hindi as the third language in primary classes in Maharashtra, the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has now released a draft curriculum framework for school education where it has included only two languages for all classes from classes 3 to 10. The decision has sparked a fresh discussion in the education sector as the third language has not been included for higher classes (classes 6 to 10) for the first time since the system was introduced from the academic year 1971-72. The SCERT on Sunday released a draft curriculum framework for classes 3 to 10 inviting suggestions from stakeholders. It includes only two languages for all classes – preparatory stage (classes 3 to 5), middle school (classes 6 to 8) and secondary (classes 9 and 10). As per information shared by the SCERT, this draft is prepared on the basis of the State Curriculum Framework prepared in 2024 which is as per the recommendations by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It provides a list of a total 20 subjects, combined for all these classes; with some new entrants such as Vocation Education apart from conventional subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Social Science. Stakeholders have time until August 27 to submit suggestions. About the missing third language from all these classes, the SCERT has released a note along with the draft. It states, 'A committee has been appointed under the chairmanship of Dr. Narendra Jadhav as per the Government Resolution (GR) dated June 30, regarding the implementation of the language policy. The existing system will continue till the decision regarding the third language is implemented on the recommendation of the said committee and in accordance with the decision of the Government thereon.' This has sparked confusion among teachers and schools as they question the connection between the new committee and three languages already taught in higher classes. 'The said committee is to deliberate upon whether the third language can be implemented from Class 1, which was the point of contention leading to formation of that committee. Nobody had opposed the three-languages taught in higher classes, which has been happening for many years now,' said a senior language teacher from Mumbai, further questioning the hurry in issuing the draft curriculum framework when the final decision cannot be taken until the committee's report. Mahendra Ganpule, from Maharashtra School Principals' Association said, 'The note insists that until then existing practice will continue. But the draft is for upcoming structure for these classes as per the NEP recommendations. But this missing mention of language three, which has always been part of curriculum for higher classes, definitely leaves room for confusion.' Echoing that there is confusion, Madhav Suryawanshi, coordinator of the Shikshan Vikas Manch, a consortium of teachers and educationists from across the state, said, 'Owing to this confusion and for other discussions, the consortium is going to hold an online session for teachers across state to get more clarity by resolving doubts with experts.' Stating that SCERT is simply playing safe, senior educationist Vasant Kalpande said, 'System of third language in higher classes has been an existing system. Its exclusion from the syllabus framework is likely to cause confusion over the third language in higher grades, which nobody has contended.' When contacted, SCERT Director, Rahul Rekhawar said, 'The committee is deliberating upon the three-language formula of the state. This makes it important to wait for its recommendations because without that we cannot decide from which Grade the third language can be implemented.' Vocational Education from Class 6 Among the new subjects, noteworthy is the introduction of Vocational Education subject from Class 6. In a first a separate curriculum is prepared for Vocation Education which will be taught until Class 10 wherein students will be given hands-on experience in various skills such as agriculture, poultry, gardening, mechatronics, AI, robotics, food processing, carpentry, beauty and wellness, and tourism. Another notable change is that, subject 'Environmental Studies (Part 1 & 2)' for classes 3 to 5, will be replaced with 'The World Around Us (TWAU) (Part 1 & 2)'. The existing textbook for Grade 4 ('Shivchatrapati') will continue as such. Whereas from classes 6 onwards, separate curricula have been developed for History, Geography, and Civic studies. From class 9 onwards, separate curricula have been prepared for Political Science and Economics.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
SCERT prepares curriculum books for Anganwadis in Maharashtra
The State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has developed Maharashtra's first-ever curriculum books for Anganwadis. The SCERT has prepared handbooks titled Maitri Balmanashi (friendship with a child) in two parts created for Anganwadi teachers. The curriculum is designed to achieve five developmental goals in early childhood education: language, cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. It defines clear learning outcomes and outlines appropriate pedagogical approaches for each level. The curriculum includes not only what should be taught and how, but also emphasises structured activities and the importance of parental involvement. A key feature is the inclusion of field visits to local places such as post offices, farms, shops, and markets. 'The objective is to stimulate various senses of children through observation and curiosity. Learning in the classroom cannot be isolated from the surroundings in which children live. For instance, instead of just showing images of a train, children will benefit more by visiting a railway station and observing a real train,' explained an SCERT official. A committee of experts was formed to design this curriculum and prepare the handbooks. While Anganwadi teachers are being trained by SCERT to effectively implement the curriculum, these handbooks will serve as practical guides for teaching at each pre-primary level—nursery, junior KG, and senior KG. Highlighting inclusive education, the curriculum also equips teachers to identify developmental delays and support children with special needs. Welcoming the initiative, Mahendra Ganpule from Maharashtra School Principals' Association, said, 'This is the first time that books have been developed for pre-primary education. The AI developed images in the books are noteworthy as opposed to conventional drawings and images used in books.' The curriculum is based on learning goals outlined under Aadharsheela—the national framework for early childhood care and education targeting children aged 3 to 6 years, who are now formally included under education as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While the handbooks are being distributed to Anganwadi teachers, they are also available on the SCERT website for other pre-primary institutions. With pre-primary education now integrated into the formal system, schools have been directed to upload data of these students to the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), the official repository for school education statistics.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Maharashtra state board to have bridge course for students transitioning to new curriculum
As the Maharashtra State Board plans a complete shift to a new curriculum based on NCERT textbooks in a phased manner till 2029, students being taught the new curriculum for the first time will also undergo a bridge course. The corrected version of the withdrawn April 16 government resolution (GR) released on Monday reiterates that the bridge course will be developed by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and will be used in all grades. The GR states, 'With the new curriculum being implemented for the first time, a bridge course for all grades should be prepared by the State Council of Educational Research and Training and used as necessary in all grades.' The state board has decided to formulate a new curriculum based on NCERT textbooks keeping in mind educational requirements of the state. This new curriculum will be prepared by the SCERT and introduced for Class 1 from this year (academic year 2025-26) onwards. In the next year (AY 2026-27), the new syllabus will be implemented for classes 2, 3, 4 and 6. Following that in AY 2027-28 the new syllabus will be introduced for classes 5, 7, 9, and 11. In the last year AY 2028-29, the new syllabus will be introduced for classes 8, 10, and 12. Mahendra Ganpule, former head of Maharashtra School Principals' Association, said, 'The objective of the bridge course is to help students cover any changes between the old curriculum and the new curriculum. To remove any backlog. The GR just notified that there will be such a course, no other details have been provided yet.' Ganpule also agrees that there is a gap between the current state board syllabus and the NCERT syllabus that would need to be bridged as the curriculum change is brought about. The GR also states that according to the New Education Policy 2020, the 10+2 structure of school education would be changed to a 5+3+3+4 structure in the state as well. The first stage will be the Foundational Stage consisting of three years of Balvatika and class 1 and 2. The next will be the Preparatory Stage consisting of classes 3 to 5. Following will be the Pre-Secondary stage consisting of classes 6 to 8 and the last stage will be the Secondary Stage consisting of classes 9 to 12. SCERT director Rahul Rekhawar, who is currently on an educational tour to Germany, did not respond to Whatsapp messages for comments on the bridge course. Soham is a Correspondent with the Indian Express in Pune. A journalism graduate, he was a fact-checker before joining the Express. Soham currently covers education and is also interested in civic issues, health, human rights, and politics. ... Read More
Time of India
03-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
State revises timetable for Std 1 & 2; Art & PE hrs restored
Mumbai: The Maharashtra state government has released a revised timetable for classes 1 and 2, dropping the controversial proposal to make Hindi mandatory. The new schedule mandates only Marathi and English as compulsory languages and introduces an 'Additional Enrichment Period' aimed at providing academic support through remedial teaching, skill development, or preparation for competitive exams. The move comes after backlash over the June 18 circular, prompting the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to roll back many of its earlier changes. Art and Physical Education, which had seen their annual hours slashed to 81 and 40, respectively, in the earlier version, have now been restored to 122 and 61 hours. Additionally, class session durations have been aligned with National Curriculum Framework (NCF) norms, increased to 45–60 minutes from the previously proposed 35–45 minutes. Though the state has provided a model weekly timetable, schools retain flexibility in organising the daily order of subjects and start and end times. However, they are not permitted to reduce the total weekly or annual instructional hours. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The Additional Enrichment Period is not part of the standard timetable but serves as supplementary learning time. Another provision includes 10 designated bagless days annually for experiential learning and reducing academic pressure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Glicemia acima de 130? Insira essa fruta no seu café da manhã G!Saú Undo However, concerns remain over the impact of extended school hours. Mahendra Ganpule, former head of the Maharashtra School Principals' Association, warned, "With schools operating in two shifts, children may end up leaving as late as 6:45pm. That's too late — especially with city traffic and rural safety concerns after sunset." The new timetable will be implemented for Std 1 from the academic year 2025–26. For Std 2, the rollout will be contingent on the printing of new textbooks.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
State revises timetable for Std 1 & 2; Hindi not mandatory
Mumbai: The Maharashtra state government has released a revised timetable for classes 1 and 2, dropping the controversial proposal to make Hindi mandatory. The new schedule mandates only Marathi and English as compulsory languages and introduces an 'Additional Enrichment Period' aimed at providing academic support through remedial teaching, skill development, or preparation for competitive exams. The move comes after backlash over the June 18 circular, prompting the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to roll back many of its earlier changes. Art and Physical Education, which had seen their annual hours slashed to 81 and 40, respectively, in the earlier version, have now been restored to 122 and 61 hours. Additionally, class session durations have been aligned with National Curriculum Framework (NCF) norms, increased to 45–60 minutes from the previously proposed 35–45 minutes. Though the state has provided a model weekly timetable, schools retain flexibility in organising the daily order of subjects and start and end times. However, they are not permitted to reduce the total weekly or annual instructional hours. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The Additional Enrichment Period is not part of the standard timetable but serves as supplementary learning time. Another provision includes 10 designated bagless days annually for experiential learning and reducing academic pressure. However, concerns remain over the impact of extended school hours. Mahendra Ganpule, former head of the Maharashtra School Principals' Association, warned, "With schools operating in two shifts, children may end up leaving as late as 6:45pm. That's too late — especially with city traffic and rural safety concerns after sunset." The new timetable will be implemented for Std 1 from the academic year 2025–26. For Std 2, the rollout will be contingent on the printing of new textbooks.
