The Ministry of Education has introduced the second phase of its Capacity Building Program on Specific Learning Disability (SLD) under the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme (MMTTP).
Following the success of the first phase, this program aims to equip Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) with the skills and knowledge needed to support students with Specific Learning Disabilities. This development is a significant piece of education news, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance support for students with learning challenges.
Key Officials and Participants
The launch of the second phase was honored by the presence of key officials including the Secretary, of Higher Education, Ministry of Education Shri K. Sanjay Murthy; Additional Secretary, of Higher Education, Shri S.K. Barnwal;
Joint Secretary, of Higher Education, Smt. Rina Sonowal Kouli; Director, Higher Education, Shri Devendra Kumar Sharma; and Co-founder of Changeinkk Foundation, Smt. Noopur Jhunjhunwala. Heads of institutions and faculty from 45 identified centrally funded HEIs, such as CUs, IITs, IIITs, NITs, IISERs, CFTIs, SPAs, NITTTR, etc., participated virtually.
NEP 2020 and Specific Learning Disability
Shri K. Sanjay Murthy highlighted that the National Education Policy 2020 acknowledges Specific Learning Disabilities among certain students, with a commitment to providing equitable and inclusive education for all. The policy stresses the importance of HEIs recognizing students with Specific Learning Disabilities and becoming more responsive to their challenges.
To address this, a regular capacity-building program on Specific Learning Disability must be conducted. He also outlined how the program was designed to begin with the capacity building of key stakeholders regarding Specific Learning Disabilities among students, under the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme.
First Round Achievements
The first round of the ‘Capacity Building Program on Specific Learning Disability’ was conducted from January to July 2024, in partnership with the Changeinkk Foundation. In this round, 27 HEIs, including Central Universities, IITs, IIITs, IIMs, IISERs, SPAs, and NITs, took part in the program.
The program included various sessions, such as Orientation, Sensitization, Masterclasses, In-Person Zone-wise Workshops, and Implementation Monitoring. Over 400 faculty members from different departments of these institutions benefited from the program.
Second Phase Focus and Structure
The second phase of the program, which commenced today, will run until December 2024. It will feature sessions held both online and in person, with a new group of identified HEIs. The program will concentrate on strategies and tools for identifying and assessing students with Specific Learning Disabilities and addressing their needs.
This phase will prioritize sensitizing the heads of institutions, along with the heads of five departments and two representatives from each department. Participants will engage in a series of interactive workshops, expert-led seminars, and practical sessions aimed at enhancing their ability to create inclusive learning environments. Upon successful completion, the program will be replicated with a new group of HEIs over a six-month cycle.
Commitment to Inclusive Education
Shri S.K. Barnwal emphasized the importance of inclusive education and recognized this program as a significant step toward empowering educators to meet the diverse needs of students, especially those with Specific Learning Disabilities. He encouraged HEIs to take proactive steps in addressing the challenges faced by students with Specific Learning Disabilities.