An Overview of Cluster Resource Center: Origin, Concept, Status, Criteria & Functions

Cluster Resource Center (CRC) is an innovative approach that emerged in India in the education sector. It is a concept that focuses on providing a one-stop solution to all the educational needs of rural areas. This article briefly discusses the origin, concept, number, status, and functions of the Cluster Resource Center.

Introduction

Education is a fundamental right, but it is still not accessible to many children in rural areas. These areas’ lack of resources and infrastructure is a significant obstacle to providing quality education. The Cluster Resource Center (CRC) is a unique solution that tries to bridge the gap between schools located in urban & rural areas regarding education. It is a center that provides academic support to the government schools in the cluster.

Origin of Cluster Resource Center

The history of Cluster Resource Centers (CRCs) in India dates back to the early 1990s, with the District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) launched in 1994. The DPEP was a centrally sponsored program to provide universal primary education focusing on disadvantaged sections of society. As part of the program, CRCs were introduced to provide academic support to schools in a cluster.

With the launch of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in 2001, the role of CRCs was further strengthened. The SSA aimed at providing universal elementary education, with a focus on the quality of education. The CRCs were given additional responsibilities such as conducting teacher training programs, developing teaching and learning materials, and providing school academic support.

In 2018, the SSA was subsumed under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, which aims at providing quality education to all students from pre-primary to senior secondary levels. The CRCs continue to play a crucial role in the program’s implementation by providing academic and administrative support to schools in their respective clusters.

Over the years, the concept of CRCs has evolved to meet the changing needs and priorities of the education sector. From providing academic support to schools in a cluster, the role of CRCs has expanded to include conducting surveys, monitoring the implementation of programs, and providing technical support to schools. The history of CRCs in India is a testament to the government’s commitment to providing quality education to all students, and the role of CRCs in achieving this goal cannot be overstated. The CRCs provide academic, administrative, and technical support to the schools in their respective clusters.

Some of the key responsibilities assigned to CRCs include:

  • Conducting regular academic monitoring of schools in the cluster and providing feedback to teachers and school authorities.
  • Developing and implementing a plan for academic support to schools, including organizing and conducting teacher training programs and providing access to teaching and learning materials.
  • Conducting surveys and collecting data on various aspects of school education, such as student enrollment, attendance, and learning outcomes.
  • Monitoring the implementation of various government schemes and programs related to education in the schools of their cluster.
  • Providing technical support to schools in ICT integration, infrastructure development, and maintenance.
  • Ensuring the effective implementation of various child-centered activities in the schools, such as co-curricular and extracurricular activities; and
  • Encouraging community participation in school activities and promoting a culture of education in the community.

Overall, the role of CRCs is crucial in improving the quality of education in their respective clusters. They play a vital role in the overall development of the education system in India at the grassroots level.

Concept of Cluster Resource Center

The Cluster Resource Center is a center that provides academic support to the government schools in the cluster. A cluster is a group of five to ten schools that are located near each other. The CRC is responsible for the overall development of the cluster schools. It provides academic, administrative, and technical support to the schools. The Head Master of the school where the CRc is located is designated as the CRC-Coordinators. Rach CRC in India has a designated CRC-Coordinator who is mostly the head of the school/Head Master/Head-Teacher.

Number of Cluster Resource Centers

The number of CRCs in India has increased over the years. As of 2021, there are more than 1,50,000 CRCs in the country. These centers are spread across all the States & Union Territories of India.

Status of Cluster Resource Centers

The Cluster Resource Centers are an integral part of the education system in India. The government has recognized CRCs’ importance and provided them with adequate resources to carry out their functions. The CRCs are supervised by the District Education Officers (DEO).

Criteria for Establishing Cluster Resource Centers

To establish a Cluster Resource Center, a set of specific criteria need to be fulfilled. The cluster should have a minimum of five schools and a maximum of ten schools. The schools should be located in a geographically contiguous area. The cluster should have a minimum enrolment of 200 students. The cluster should have a minimum of two subject teachers in each school.

Functions of Cluster Resource Centers

The Cluster Resource Centers have various functions, including:

Academic Support

The CRC provides academic support to the schools in the cluster. It conducts subject-specific training programs for teachers to improve their teaching skills. It also conducts remedial classes for weak students in certain subjects.

Administrative Support

The CRC provides administrative support to the schools in the cluster. It helps maintain the records of the students and teachers. It also helps in organizing various school activities like sports, cultural events

How are CRCs different than BRCs?

CRCs and BRCs are both types of resource centers that support government schools in India, with the following key differences between the two:

  1. Size and Scope: CRCs are smaller in size as compared to BRCs. A CRC covers a cluster of five to ten schools, whereas a BRC covers 75 to 100 schools.
  2. Hierarchy: BRCs are located at a higher level in the education hierarchy than CRCs. BRCs are responsible for supporting CRCs, whereas CRCs directly support schools.
  3. Functioning: BRCs focus on planning and implementing educational programs and policies at the block level, whereas CRCs focus on providing academic, administrative, and technical support to schools at the cluster level.
  4. Staffing: BRCs have a more extensive staff as compared to CRCs. BRCs have a Block Resource Coordinator, Assistant Block Resource Coordinator, and other staff members, whereas CRCs have a Cluster Resource Person and other support staff.

Overall, while CRCs and BRCs are important for improving the quality of school education in government schools, they differ in size, scope, hierarchy, functioning, and staffing.

How is a school designated as CRC?

The designation of a school as a Cluster Resource Center (CRC) is based on specific criteria and guidelines laid down by the government. The criteria for designating a school as a CRC are as follows:

  • Number of Schools: The school should be located in a cluster of five to ten schools that are located near each other.
  • Infrastructure: The school should have adequate infrastructure, such as classrooms, furniture, and equipment, to support the functioning of the CRC.
  • Staffing: The school should have sufficient trained and qualified teachers to support the academic and administrative functions of the CRC.
  • Experience: The school should have at least five years of experience providing quality education.

Once a school meets the above criteria, it can apply to the Block Education Officer (BEO) for designation as a CRC. The BEO, in turn, verifies the school’s eligibility and forwards the application to the District Education Officer (DEO) for approval. Once approved, the school is designated as a CRC and is responsible for providing academic, administrative, and technical support to the schools in its cluster.

 Who and how CRC-Coordinator is selected?

The Cluster Resource Coordinator (CRC) is selected or nominated by the government authorities at the block or district level. The process of selection or nomination may vary slightly from state to state but generally follows the following steps:

  1. Eligibility Criteria: The government authorities first lay down the eligibility criteria for selecting CRCs. These criteria may include factors such as education qualifications, experience in the education sector, and knowledge of the local language.
  2. Application and Shortlisting: Interested candidates can then apply for the position of CRC by submitting their application to the Block Education Officer (BEO) or District Education Officer (DEO). The applications are then shortlisted based on the eligibility criteria.
  3. Written Test and Interview: Shortlisted candidates must take a written test and attend an interview. The test may include education policies, pedagogy, and administration questions. A panel of government officials and education experts usually conducts the interview.
  4. Selection and Appointment: After the written test and interview, the final selection is made based on the performance of the candidates. The selected candidates are then appointed as CRCs and are responsible for providing academic, administrative, and technical support to the schools in their cluster.

It is important to observe that the government authorities at different levels carry out the process of selecting or nominating CRCs at the block or district level, which may vary slightly from state to state.

What is the nature of the appointment of the CRC Coordinator?

The appointment of a Cluster Resource Coordinator (CRC) is temporary and contractual. The nature of the appointment is such that it is for a fixed duration, which is usually one year and can be renewed based on the performance of the CRC.

The CRCs are appointed through a selection process per the government’s guidelines. Once appointed, the CRC is responsible for providing academic, administrative, and technical support to the schools in their cluster.

The nature of the appointment of CRCs as contractual and temporary appointments is to ensure a constant influx of new talent and ideas into the education system. It also allows for greater flexibility in deploying human resources based on the changing needs and priorities of the education sector.

It is essential, however, to note that even though CRCs are appointed as contractual, they are expected to carry out duties & responsibilities with sincerity and dedication. The role of CRCs is crucial in improving the quality of education in schools falling into their clusters.

What role is assigned to CRC in NEP 2020?

Yes, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has assigned an important role to India’s Cluster Resource Centers (CRCs). The NEP recognizes the need for a robust support system for schools and teachers, and the CRCs are seen as an essential component of this support system.

Under the NEP 2020, the role of CRCs has been expanded to include the following:

  1. Providing mentoring and academic support to teachers: The CRCs will provide mentoring and academic support to teachers in their respective clusters, focusing on improving teaching skills, pedagogy, and assessment practices.
  2. Facilitating the implementation of the school curriculum: The CRCs will facilitate the implementation of the school curriculum, focusing on ensuring that all students acquire the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies.
  3. Conducting regular assessments of students: The CRCs will conduct regular assessments of students in their clusters, focusing on identifying learning gaps and providing remedial support to students.
  4. Providing support for the use of technology in education: The CRCs will support the use of technology in education, focusing on enhancing teaching and learning outcomes.
  5. Building partnerships with the community: The CRCs will work closely to build partnerships and promote community participation in school activities.

The NEP 2020 recognizes CRCs’ critical role in improving education quality in ensuring that every student in their cluster receives a high-quality education. The expanded role of CRCs under the NEP 2020 is expected to strengthen the support system for schools and teachers and improve the overall quality of education in India.

What role is assigned to CRC in Samagra Shiksha?

Yes, under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the Cluster Resource Centers (CRCs) have been assigned the following important roles with a focus on improving the quality of education and promoting inclusive education.

The critical roles assigned to CRCs under Samagra Shiksha include:

  1. Providing academic support to teachers: The CRCs support teachers in their respective clusters. This includes training and capacity building of teachers, helping them to improve their teaching skills, and providing them with the necessary resources for effective classroom teaching.
  2. Conducting regular assessments of students: The CRCs are responsible for conducting regular assessments of students in their clusters, identifying learning gaps, and providing remedial support to students who need it.
  3. Promoting inclusive education: The CRCs are responsible for promoting inclusive education in their clusters. This includes identifying and addressing the needs of children with disabilities, children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and children from marginalized communities.
  4. Building partnerships with the community: The CRCs are responsible for building partnerships with the community to promote community participation in school activities and to ensure that education is seen as a shared responsibility.
  5. Monitoring and evaluation: The CRCs are responsible for monitoring the progress of schools in their clusters and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions undertaken to improve the quality of education.

Overall, the role of CRCs under Samagra Shiksha is critical in ensuring that every child has got access to quality education, irrespective of their background or ability. The program recognizes the importance of solid support systems for teachers and schools, and the role of CRCs in providing this support is seen as essential to achieving the goal of universal education in India.

 How does CRC function?

Cluster Resource Centers (CRCs) in India function as a support system for schools in their respective clusters. The CRCs are responsible for providing academic, administrative, and technical support to schools to help them improve their quality of education.

The primary functions of CRCs include:

  1. Capacity building of teachers: CRCs organize training programs & workshops for teachers in schools located under his/her cluster to help them improve their teaching skills and stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies and technologies.
  2. Resource support: CRCs provide schools with the necessary resources, including teaching aids, textbooks, and other materials, to help teachers deliver effective classroom instruction.
  3. Academic support: CRCs provide academic support to schools by conducting regular assessments of students, identifying learning gaps, and providing remedial support to students who need it.
  4. Monitoring and evaluation: CRCs monitor the progress of schools in their clusters and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions undertaken to improve the quality of education.
  5. Community mobilization: CRCs mobilize the community to participate in school activities, including supporting education initiatives and creating awareness about the importance of education.
  6. Inclusive education: CRCs promote inclusive education in their clusters by identifying and addressing the needs of children with disabilities, children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and children from marginalized communities.

In addition to these functions, CRCs also act as a link between schools and the government, facilitating the implementation of government educational policies and programs. They also coordinate with other stakeholders, including parents, NGOs, and other community-based organizations, to promote a collaborative approach to education.

 What role does the CRC Coordinator play in planning?

The CRC Coordinator plays a critical role in planning the Cluster Resource Centers (CRCs) in India. They are responsible for developing an Annual Work Plan for the CRCs in their cluster, which outlines the activities with an aim to improve the quality of education in schools under their jurisdiction.

The CRC Coordinator works closely with the Block Resource Coordinator (BRC) and the District Education Officer (DEO) to identify the needs of schools in their cluster and develop appropriate strategies to address them. They also collaborate with other stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and community members, to ensure the interventions implemented are relevant and practical.

The planning process involves the following activities:

  1. Needs assessment: The CRC Coordinator conducts a needs assessment of schools in their cluster to identify the areas where support is required. This involves analyzing data on student performance, teacher qualifications, infrastructure, and other factors that impact the quality of education.
  2. Setting goals and objectives: Based on the needs assessment, the CRC Coordinator sets specific goals and objectives for the CRCs in their cluster. These goals are aligned with the overall objectives of the education department and are designed to address the specific needs of the schools in the cluster.
  3. Developing a work plan: The CRC Coordinator develops an annual work plan for the CRCs in their cluster, which outlines the activities and interventions to be implemented. The work plan includes details of the resources required, the timeline for implementation, and the expected outcomes.
  4. Monitoring & evaluation: The CRC Coordinator is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the work plan and evaluating its effectiveness. They use data to track progress toward the goals and objectives and adjust the plan as required.

The CRC Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring that the planning process is evidence-based, responsive to the needs of schools, and aligned with the broader goals of the education department.

Is CRC Coordinator also engaged in UDISEplus? If yes, what?

Yes, the CRC Coordinator is also engaged in UDISEplus. UDISEplus is a web-based data collection system that is used to collect information on schools and educational indicators at the national, state, and district levels. The CRC Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the school data in their cluster is accurate and up-to-date.

Specifically, the CRC Coordinator is responsible for the following:

  1. Collecting data: The CRC Coordinator collects data on the schools in their cluster and ensures that it is entered into the UDISEplus system accurately and promptly.
  2. Validating data: The CRC Coordinator validates the data entered into the UDISEplus system to ensure that it is accurate and meets the required standards.
  3. Analyzing data: The CRC Coordinator analyzes the data in the UDISEplus system to identify trends and patterns in school performance and other educational indicators.
  4. Reporting data: The CRC Coordinator regularly reports the data in the UDISEplus system to the Block Resource Coordinator (BRC) and the District Education Officer (DEO).

The CRC Coordinator is essential in ensuring that the data in the UDISEplus system is accurate and up-to-date, which is critical for informed decision-making and planning at the national, state, and district levels.

Concluding Observations

Cluster Resource Centers (CRCs) are critical in India’s education system. These centers are established to provide academic support to schools in their respective clusters. They are headed by a CRC Coordinator responsible for coordinating and implementing various activities at the center.

The CRC Coordinator is vital in planning and organizing training programs, maintaining school and teacher records, and ensuring data accuracy in the UDISEplus system. They are also responsible for monitoring the quality of education in schools, identifying gaps, and taking corrective measures to improve educational outcomes.

Over the years, various educational initiatives such as DPEP, SSA, and Samagra Shiksha have significantly shaped the CRCs and their functioning. The recently introduced National Education Policy 2020 also recognizes the importance of CRCs and emphasizes their role in improving the quality of education at the grassroots level.

Overall, CRCs and their coordinators have played an essential role in improving the quality of education in India and will continue to do so in the future.

Education for All in India