Rapid Teacher Transformation

The "Rapid Teacher Transformation" project, initiated in 2022, remains an ongoing endeavor aimed at revolutionizing the education landscape in Sri Lanka. This project was conceived in response to the pressing need for teachers to adapt and integrate technology effectively into their teaching methodologies. The infusion of technology into traditional teaching methods has ushered in an era where educators must continuously update their competencies to ensure the efficient delivery of educational content. The goal is to harness the potential benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance the quality, relevance, and accessibility of education throughout all stages of life.

One of the primary objectives of this project is to facilitate the digital transformation in K12 education by incorporating digital technologies into the teaching and learning process. However, several challenges were identified that necessitated this project's inception. Firstly, there was a notable absence of a mechanism to capacitate teachers in the effective use of digital technologies for teaching and learning. This deficiency hindered the integration of technology into the education system. Secondly, the disparity in knowledge and resources across different regions of the country posed a significant obstacle to providing equitable education. Lastly, the inability to equip students with the skills necessary for employment in a rapidly evolving job market underscored the urgency of this project.

The project's objectives are clear and ambitious. It seeks to create an environment conducive to the adoption of the Digital Education Policy. Additionally, the project aims to formulate a comprehensive teacher competency framework in alignment with UNESCO's ICT Competency Framework for Teachers. To facilitate this transformation, the project plans to identify and capacitate 750 Master Trainers from the education sector who will serve as pivotal figures in disseminating digital knowledge. Furthermore, the project endeavors to train a staggering 235,000 teachers across the country, bridging the digital divide in education.

The project's scope encompasses a range of critical components. The formulation of the Teacher Competency Framework for Sri Lanka has been completed, setting the stage for comprehensive teacher development. Curriculum development has been approved for Level 01 (Acquisition) across all six modules, complete with Sinhala and English translations. Likewise, Level 02 (Deepening) curriculum for all modules, with translations, has been successfully developed. The preparation of curriculum for Level 03 is currently underway, ensuring that the project remains on track to meet its objectives. Additionally, the project will undertake the essential task of assessment and certification for Levels 1, 2, and 3 for Master Trainers.

The project has yielded significant outcomes, including the successful training of 902 teachers in Level 01 across Western, Central, North Western, Southern, Northern, and Eastern Provinces, with 632 educators registered on an online platform for self-study and assessment, and an impressive 339 individuals having achieved UK-authorized certification for Level 01.

To achieve its goals, the "Rapid Teacher Transformation" project has enlisted the support of various stakeholders and partners. These include the Ministry of Education, UNICEF, teachers, the National Institute of Education, and Zonal and Provincial coordinators. The collaborative effort of these stakeholders is essential for the project's success.