NCERT signs MoU with ISLRTC to make study materials available in sign language

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) signed an MoU with the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) to make textbooks and other educational materials accessible for deaf children in Indian Sign Language (ISL). The MoU was signed on the 60th Foundation Day of NCERT. During the ceremony, the online format of NISHTHA training was also released.

Significance of the agreement

As part of the agreement, print materials such as NCERT textbooks, teacher’s handbook and other supplementary materials and resources of Class I-XII of all subjects will be converted into Indian Sign Language in digital format.

The availability of NCERT textbooks in Indian Sign Language will ensure that hearing-impaired children can now access educational resources and it will be a useful and much needed resource for teachers, teacher educators, parents and the hearing-impaired community. 

So far, hearing-impaired children used to study only through a verbal or written medium but after the signing of this MoU, they can study through a single Indian Sign Language. It will enhance their vocabulary, and also enhance their capabilities to understand concepts.

NCERT

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organisation set up in 1961 to assist and advise the central and state governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education. 

The functions of NCERT and its constituent units are to: 

• Undertake, promote and coordinate research in areas related to school education.

• Prepare and publish model textbooks, supplementary material, newsletters, journals and develop educational kits, multimedia digital materials, etc.

• Organise pre-service and in-service training of teachers.

• Develop and disseminate innovative educational techniques and practices.

• Collaborate and network with state educational departments, universities, NGOs and other educational institutions.

• Act as a clearing house for ideas and information in matters related to school education.

• Act as a nodal agency for achieving the goals of Universalisation of Elementary Education.

In addition to research, development, training, extension, publication and dissemination activities, NCERT is an implementation agency for bilateral cultural exchange programmes with other countries in the field of school education. 

The NCERT also interacts and works in collaboration with the international organisations, visiting foreign delegations and offers various training facilities to educational personnel from developing countries. 

Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre

Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), New Delhi was established as an autonomous body in September, 2015 under the department of empowerment of persons with disabilities, ministry of social justice and empowerment.  

Objectives of ISLRTC:

• Promote the use of Indian Sign Language (ISL) as an education mode.

• Carry out research in ISL and create linguistic record/analysis of the language.

• Train persons in sign linguistics and other related areas at various levels.

• Design, promote and offer programs in ISL, interpreting and bilingual education, at various levels, through various modes.

• Collaborate with other institutions and organisations of the deaf to promote and propagate ISL.

• Create and promote literature in and about ISL.

What is NISHTHA?

The department of school education and literacy launched a national mission to improve learning outcomes at the elementary level through an Integrated Teacher Training Programme called NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement) under the centrally sponsored scheme of Samagra Shiksha.

It aims to build competencies among all the teachers and school principals at the elementary stage. NISHTHA is the world’s largest teachers’ training programme of its kind. 

The basic objective of this massive training programme is to motivate and equip teachers to encourage and foster critical thinking in students. The initiative is first of its kind wherein standardised training modules are developed at national level for all states and UTs.

Features of NISHTHA:

• Capacity building of 42 lakh teachers.

• Integrated training of principals/heads as key academic support. 

• Focus on competency and higher order thinking skills based teaching learning.

• Training of all heads and teachers as first level counselors.

• Promoting experiential and joyful learning.

• Awareness of centrally sponsored schemes/initiatives. 

• Online monitoring and support system.

• Convergence of multi-departmental efforts. 

• Activity based training modules.

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