National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage

• 22 Feb 2023

For Prelims: National Curriculum Framework, NEP, Right to Education

For Mains: Education System in India and related issues, NEP 2020

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Education has launched Learning - Teaching Material for the Foundational Stage under National Education Policy 2020 and Jadui Pitara was launched at the Occasion.

• In October 2022, the Ministry of Education launched the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) education of children in the three to eight years age group.

What is Jadui Pitara?

• Jadui Pitara is a play-based learning-teaching material tailored for children between the age group of 3-8 years.
• It comprises playbooks, toys, puzzles, posters, flash cards, story books, worksheets as well as reflecting the local culture, social context and languages is designed to pique curiosity and accommodate the diverse needs of learners in the foundational stage.
• Jadui Pitara has been developed under the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and is available in 13 Indian languages.
• It aims at enriching the learning-teaching environment and making it more child-centric, lively and joyful for the Amrit Generation as envisioned in the NEP 2020.

What is NCF?

• About:
  • NCF is one of the key components of NEP 2020, that enables and energizes this transformation, informed by the aims, principles, and approach of NEP 2020.
• Four Sections of NCF:
  • NCF for School Education
  • NCF for Early Childhood Care and Education (Foundational Stage)
  • NCF for Teacher Education
  • NCF for Adult Education
• NCFFS:
  • The NCF for the Foundational Stage (NCFFS) is developed based on the vision of the NEP 2020.
    • The Foundational Stage refers to children in the age group of 3 to 8 years, across the entire range of diverse institutions in India.
  • This is the first Stage in the 5+3+3+4 Curricular and Pedagogical restructuring of School Education as envisioned in NEP 2020.
  • The NCFFS has been developed by NCERT through an extensive consultative process with States & UTs upto grass root level and various institutions and organisations.
• Objective:
  • It aims to help in positively transforming the school education system of India as envisioned in NEP 2020, through corresponding positive changes in the curriculum including pedagogy.
  • It aims to realize the highest quality education for all children, consistent with realizing an equitable, inclusive, and plural society as envisaged by the Constitution of India.

What is the National Education Policy 2020?

• About:
  • The NEP 2020 is a comprehensive framework for education reform in India that was approved in 2020, aiming to bring significant changes in the education system of India by providing a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education.
• Features of the NEP 2020:
  • Universalization of education from preschool to secondary level.
  • Introduction of a new pedagogical and curricular structure based on cognitive and socio-emotional development of students.
  • Emphasis on the development of foundational literacy and numeracy skills in primary education.
  • Increased focus on research and development in education.

What are the Other Government Initiatives Related to Educational Reforms?

• National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning.
• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
• PRAGYATA
• Mid Day Meal Scheme
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
• PM SHRI Schools

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State Council of Teacher Education.
2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines.
3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only

Ans: (b)

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Mains

Q. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (2020)

Source: PIB