In Maharashtra, schools will now be graded from A+ to C to indicate the quality of education they provide, mirroring the grading system used in higher education institutions. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the education sector and empower parents with information about the quality of schools.
Under the School Quality Assurance & Accreditation Framework (SQAAF), schools will undergo periodic evaluations based on various parameters such as basic infrastructural facilities, teaching-learning standards, safety and security measures, and inclusivity and gender equality on campus. These evaluations will determine the grade assigned to each school.
The State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has developed the SQAAF in accordance with guidelines from the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Additionally, the State School Standard Authority (SSSA) has been established to oversee the assessment process.
The SSSA, comprising six members and chaired by the director of SCERT, will be responsible for assessing schools based on the SQAAF parameters. Schools will conduct self-evaluations annually, while the SSSA will determine the frequency of external evaluations. Moreover, the SSSA will develop a dedicated website to provide public access to collated data on school evaluations, ensuring transparency and accessibility of information.
By implementing this grading system and accreditation framework, Maharashtra aims to improve the overall quality of education, foster accountability among schools, and empower parents to make informed decisions about their children's education.
