West Bengal to introduce 4-year UG courses, higher education dept directs state varsities

 The West Bengal higher education department has directed state-run universities to start taking “appropriate steps” to introduce four-year undergraduate courses from the forthcoming academic year in tandem with the recommendations of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The instructions were a part of a letter sent by the department to all state-run universities on Friday. The government had also attached a letter from UGC secretary Rajnish Jain which highlighted the reasons behind introducing the new framework.

In the letter, UGC Secretary Rajnish Jain stated that the new curriculum and framework for undergraduate courses would ensure a “holistic education” for students by allowing them to “experience courses in multiple disciplines with multiple entry and exit options, flexible degree options with single major, double major, multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary education, integration with vocational courses, internship, skill and ability enhancement courses.”

State-aided colleges and universities in West Bengal currently offer three-year undergraduate courses.

According to sources, in its letter, the UGC has also directed education departments to develop a new curriculum for the four-year courses. “If the new rules in higher education are not followed, it may be a problem for colleges and universities to get UGC grants,” said a senior education department official.

However, the new curriculum has met with criticism from West Bengal College and University Teachers’ Association (WBCUTA) and student bodies.

“Not getting a UGC grant is not the only reason why a grant may be discontinued, there are many others. The state government is trying to implement the new education policy of the BJP-RSS,” said Keshav Bhattacharya, a WBCUTA member.

indianexpress

Empowering Special Education

Special education refers to unconventional education services designed to cater to the needs of individuals suffering from physical and mental drawbacks such as physical handicaps, sensory (visual and hearing) impairments, intellectual capacity (mental retardation and autism), learning disabilities (reading and writing skills), speech impairment and those with behavior disorders. It seeks to address problems of the individual, as well as provide effective solutions through a set of formulated instructions, service aids and supports, learning techniques and transitions services.

The goal of special education is to address the needs of these special individuals (children, youth and adults) and ensure that they gain equal access to quality education regardless of their condition. In effect, it encourages them to keep up with the challenges of normal education and help improve their chances for success in life.

Specialized method of Education

The primary focus of this special type of education is to provide support and learning techniques to the individual. Children are properly educated in the most learning-conducive environment to help them discover their in-depth skills and abilities hidden behind the disabilities they might have.

But not everyone can employ this educational service. As such, before the person can avail of it, different levels of evaluations must take place. The processes can vary, though the primary stages include referral, parental consent, child evaluation and review and recommendation of appropriate institutionalized methods.

An afterthought...

In today's society there are more than 6 million children and youth estimated to be suffering from disabilities, and the demand for special education has grown by leaps and bounds. By properly dealing with the issues and problems concerned and finding solutions, special education can give them the chance to stand up and be on equal footing with their peers, drawing out their true potentials as key movers and prime contributors to society regardless of their physical and mental difficulties.


Source: ezinearticles