The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has introduced a comprehensive program focused on strengthening assessments, innovative pedagogy, vocational education, leadership skills, and subject-specific training for teachers. Aligning with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, the teacher training initiatives have received enthusiastic participation from educators across India.

According to the organisation’s press release from January to February 2023, CISCE conducted training sessions for 456 secondary-stage teachers from 250+ affiliated schools across India. They were designed to enhance assessment techniques and revitalise the teaching-learning ecosystem to foster 21st-century competencies and skills. Additionally, in July 2023, CISCE organised a Competency-Focused Question-making program. This is to be followed by an intensive two-day offline workshop in October 2023 in Delhi, attended by 70 secondary-stage teachers. In November 2023, CISCE plans to host a two-day training webinar on competency-focused teaching practices for preparatory and middle-stage teachers.

The press release further stated that at the foundational level, CISCE has trained 60 teachers in innovative pedagogy and processes designed to nurture literacy and numeracy skills in young learners in April/August. They have also established partnerships with national-level expert agencies to promote awareness and advocacy for introducing vocational education at the school level. It includes a series of webinars for school leaders, covering skill-based subjects such as Hospitality Management, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence and integrating Financial Literacy into the school curriculum. These webinars have engaged a significant audience, including over 2,500 principals, teachers, and students from affiliated schools during July and August 2023.

Furthermore, CISCE conducted a School Leadership Training Programme in collaboration with NIE International Singapore from 24th-28th July 2023. It equipped 60 school principals with the leadership skills required to navigate the challenges in shaping school policies and practices to meet the new schooling requirements as per NEP-2020.

Gerry Arathoon, Chief Executive & Secretary of CISCE, said, “Teachers are the foundation of knowledge, and leadership training programs are the scaffolding that elevates their impact. Through these programs, educators gain the skills to ignite curiosity, inspire growth, and shape future leaders. On this Teacher’s Day, let’s recognise that investing in teacher and leadership training is an investment in a brighter, more enlightened tomorrow.”

CISCE is presently conducting continuous two-day training sessions from August to December 2023 at four different centres in India. These sessions will empower 2,530 secondary-level teachers across 22 subjects offered at the ICSE & ISC levels.

Additionally, CISCE has undertaken research and development efforts to create comprehensive modules focusing on key areas of NEP-2020, including Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Experiential Learning, Competency-based Education, Financial Literacy, and School-Based Assessment.

Also read: Leadership training programme for CISCE affiliated schools