TT colleges in a shambles

TEACHERS Training (TT) colleges are held in high esteem for the role they play in imparting training to teachers to master the art and science of teaching and managing school affairs, too. When bright graduates receive skill and knowledge development training at the TT colleges they become better teachers and better managers. But, we feel dispirited when news of several TT colleges falling victim to human greed and corruption reach us. We cannot but express our deep concern at the reports that many of such institutes are actually engaged in "selling certificates" instead of providing quality training.
A survey of the education ministry revealed that 89 private TT colleges and six private universities out of a total of 100 fell short of meeting the criteria for offering training courses, especially for Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Master of Education (MEd) degrees. After an investigation, seven colleges have been marked red, 33 grey, another 33 yellow, while only five private and 14 public colleges earned the green mark on the basis of level of competence and honesty. In such institutes, trainees are allegedly obtaining certificates without having to attend classes, do assignments and attend practical training courses. We find the situation unacceptable and wonder what the relevant ministry is doing on an urgent basis to stem the rot. It is a valid question that if teachers can buy certificates of a professional degree like BEd without having to go through the training process how will they teach anything worthwhile once they go back to their respective schools?
We understand the Education Adviser has proposed forming of a committee to monitor TT colleges and check irregularities therein. But we strongly suggest that a relevant agency launch an investigation immediately to unearth the corrupt practices going on in such institutes. The monitoring committee's investigation may go on side by side but our experience says that often such committees take a long time in coming out with anything substantive. The realisation must dawn on all concerned that corrupt practices at educational and training institutes would eventually break the backbone of the nation. Lest such things happen, we must act now.