The state government is keenly aware that Meghalaya’s learning outcomes are some of the worst in the country and Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma will meet principals tomorrow to discuss various related issues.
Sangma said that changes to MBOSE textbooks and the curriculum could be one measure. “Looking at learning outcomes in our state, it is the lowest in the country with the highest dropout rate and the lowest ranking, so the Education Department and the government will not hesitate to take the decision to change textbooks if required.”
This will be based on deliberations and consultations of the Directorate of Educational Research and Training (DERT), based on the opinions of experts from the state, academics and central boards. If it is recommended that NCERT textbooks are used in state schools, then the government will consider it so long as Meghalaya-centric learning is not lost in the process.
The minister also informed that he recently met principals and headmasters of various schools in Garo Hills and listened to the issues and opinions. Most of them raised concerns about the curriculum and syllabus not being at par with the national standard.
“They have requested the government to re-examine and redesign these in line with the learning outcomes and national standards and the government will take a call,” he added, while saying that tomorrow he will meet principals and headmasters of secondary and higher secondary schools in Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
A first sitting to review the textbook and curriculum issues will be held on November 1 with the textbook revision committee, which comprises officials from the Education Department, the DERT, MBOSE and some experts.
“We will deliberate and examine the entire process and, if need be, the committee will discuss the change of textbooks and the curriculum so that they will be at par with the national standard,” he added.
