1.What are SCERT’s programmes for teachers ?
Every year SCERT conducts massive teacher training programmes as well as programmes focussing on specialized areas in particular subjects. Training is provided to DIET faculties who are in-charge of grass-root level training. Training is provided for researchers to undertake research projects in the areas of school and teacher education.
2.How is the school curriculum formulated? Can teachers take part in the process ?
Curriculum preparation is an elaborate process with the participation of educationalists, subject experts, SCERT staff, DIET staff and teachers. Usually it is done in a phased manner which begins with the preparation of a general policy paper or approach paper. Then approach papers on different subjects and different stages of education are finalised. Curriculum framework for each class and subject are then prepared which would indicate the general nature of curriculum context and pedagogy principles to be followed. Based on the curriculum, materials for students and teachers including textbooks are prepared.
3.Which are the scholarship examinations conducted by SCERT ?
SCERT conducts state level screening test for the selection of students to appear for national level scholarship examinations such as NTS (National Talent Search) examination and NMMS (National Merit Cum Means Scholarship).
4.What are the initiatives taken by SCERT to nurture the talents of students ?
In order to nurture talents of students in social science and mathematics, SCERT organises programs like STEPS and NUMATS.
By conducting different levels of screening tests, 40 students from class VI will be selected each year. State level camps will be organised for the selected students up to class XII with the participation of national level experts.
5.How does SCERT support educational researches? Who are eligible to participate in the researches under SCERT ?
Every year SCERT invites research projects in the areas of school education and teacher education. Such research projects undertaken by individual researchers are funded by SCERT. The best practices in schools are documented. The research journal showcases research based projects and studies in the field of school education. School teachers and DIET faculty members are eligible to participate in the research under SCERT. Support is extended to NGO’s and individual researchers subject to specific conditions.
6.What is the role of SCERT in the conduct of Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) ?
SCERT is the academic authority authorised by the state government to prepare guidelines, syllabus and sample questions for the conduct of TET. This test will be conducted by Pareeksha Bhavan, Kerala in accordance with the guidelines published by SCERT, Kerala and such other rules/regulations, instructions-policies laid down by the NCTE/Department of General Education, Government of Kerala.
A person to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in any of the schools referred to in Clause(n) of section 2 of RTE Act is that she/he should pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). This test in Kerala is known as Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (KTET).