Editor
GUWAHATI: The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) is set to spearhead a comprehensive "change management process" aimed at revitalizing Cluster Resource Centers (CRCs), Block Resource Centers (BRCs), and District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs). The objective is to transform these institutions within a span of three years, elevating them into vibrant and exemplary centers of educational excellence. The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020) recognizes the pivotal role of SCERT and DIETs in facilitating continuous professional development opportunities for teachers.
According to NEP-2020, outlined in Paragraph 5.25, specialized local teacher education programs will be made available at Basic Institutes for Teacher Education (BITEs) and DIETs. These programs aim to enhance the skills and competencies of educators at the grassroots level, ensuring high-quality teaching practices throughout the education system. Acknowledging the significance of this provision, the Assam government has issued a notice emphasizing the responsibilities and duties of DIETs, BRCs, and CRCs, as well as establishing interlinkages among them.
The Elementary Education Department of the Government of Assam, in its guideline dated 30th November 2022, has delineated key roles for DIETs, BRCs, and CRCs, fostering collaboration and synergy among these institutions. The Principal of DIETs will assume the role of Associate District Mission Coordinator (Academic) to facilitate coordination with the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), a flagship program for universalizing elementary education. DIETs will also serve as District Academic Resource Centers, playing a crucial role in knowledge dissemination and capacity-building initiatives.
In addition, DIETs will be responsible for orienting Block Resource Persons (BRPs) and Cluster Resource Coordinators (CRCCs), equipping them with the necessary guidance and support to fulfill their job responsibilities effectively. This underscores the Assam government's commitment to strengthening the grassroots educational infrastructure and empowering educators with the required knowledge and skills to deliver quality education.
The ambitious endeavor to transform CRCs, BRCs, and DIETs into centers of excellence aligns with the vision of the NEP-2020 and signifies the government's dedication to enhancing the overall educational landscape. SCERT's leadership in driving this change management process demonstrates its commitment to creating an ecosystem that nurtures innovation, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
The reinvigoration of CRCs, BRCs, and DIETs holds great promise for the education sector in Assam. By investing in these institutions and cultivating a culture of excellence, the government aims to foster an environment that promotes the holistic development of students, empowers teachers, and ultimately elevates the standard of education across the state.
The implementation of specialized local teacher education programs at BITEs and DIETs will further contribute to the professional development of teachers. By equipping them with advanced pedagogical techniques, subject expertise, and leadership skills, these programs will enable educators to meet the evolving needs of students and create an engaging learning environment.
As SCERT takes the lead in spearheading the transformation of CRCs, BRCs, and DIETs, the education system in Assam stands to benefit from enhanced collaboration, expertise sharing, and effective capacity building. Through this concerted effort, the government aims to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures educational excellence and empowers educators to shape the future of the state through their dedicated efforts.