The education system is heavily dependent on government policies and funding. Therefore, any change in legislation has an impact on the development of educational institutions.
But we know this already. So the question is; what is the level of correlation between the two?
To demonstrate how the change in legislation correlates with the developments in the education system you can look at, as an example, three new policies introduced to the Indian Legislation recently, and their effects on the education system:
1. Holistic Report Cards
Legislation: the policy states that students from kindergarten to 12th grade will now receive a holistic report card. That means the report card will include a student’s extra-curricular activities; classroom participation, vocational education, and more in addition to the regular subjects.
Education System: The school management is now developing new assessment criteria for the holistic report card. This includes teacher training and developing a revised format for report cards by the end of 2022.
Evidence: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has already released a competency-based assessment format for grades 6-10 following the new legislation[i].
2. Vocational Training
Legislation: It is now mandatory for schools to introduce vocational education for students in grades 6-8. This includes coding, carpentry, woodwork, and more classes as part of their education.
Education System: The schools’ focus is shifting from academic-only education to skill-based learning. It is up to the Education Management to find institutions that are safe for young children to learn skills.
Evidence: NIOS, under the Ministry of Education has recently introduced a new vocational education curriculum[ii] for grades 3, 5, and 8[iii]. The skills included are cow-rearing, organic farming, sewing, hygiene, etc.
3. Multiple Exit Points in Undergraduate Studies
Legislation: A new policy requires a bachelors’ degree program to be 4 years long, with an option for students to opt-out after each academic year. The students will receive appropriate certifications depending on the number of years they complete.
Educational System: Universities and colleges are revising the syllabus according to the new legislation and international standard of 4-year undergraduate programs.
Evidence: The northern state of Uttar Pradesh in India has begun 4-year bachelor programs in as early as 2021-2022 academic year. Since then, universities in the state are also offering a certificate, a diploma, or a 3-year degree to students who leave the program after one year, two years, or three years respectively.
Related Blog - Major Changes in Legislation and their Effect on the Education System
Conclusion
Timely developments in the education system are vital to ensure that the young generation progresses according to global advancements.
However, the School Management itself (except for the private industry) cannot enact changes without appropriate legislation. So the question arises, what can you do to make certain that the legislation is up-to-date according to international standards? Well, effective Education Management and Leadership are the answer.
Only when the in-charge personnel recognise a need for development, can they prompt a change in the laws and vice versa!
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Citations:
[i] https://digitallearning.eletsonline.com/2021/03/cbse-releases-competency-based-assessment-framework/
[iv] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/colleges-in-up-to-roll-out-4-year-ug-courses-from-july/articleshow/81467661.cms