Improved learning: LMTF launched in Islamabad

The programme aims to discuss current assessment systems, challenges and strengths of each system

ISLAMABAD: The government in collaboration with Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi launched the Learning Metrics Task Force-Launch of Publication and Assessment Forum on Friday aiming to bring under discussion the current assessment systems in the schools in the country.

Learning Metrics Task Force (LMTF) is a global level program which is coordinated by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and the Centre for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution.

Speaking at the inaugural session, National Education Assessment System (NEAS) Director Dr Syed Kamaluddin said, “Learning Metrics Task Force is one such program that puts holistic learning of the child at the heart of global and national agendas. It emphasises the need to ensure that education systems and most essentially classroom teachers forge new accurate and reliable measures to evaluate modern skills. Developing and experimenting with such new assessment measures, strategies and ways of using data to improve learning outcomes is precisely the challenge that 15 countries including Pakistan have volunteered to undertake as “Learning Champions” under the LMTF process”.

The Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Muhammad Balighur Rehman reiterating the importance of collaborative efforts for improving education mentioned said that he “want our vision to be underpinned by a system of self improving schools and collaborative professionals that can be the driver, the engine room of ever higher standards”.

He further said that for the vision to be accomplished it was important that institutes worked in tandem. “We cannot afford to stand still. Our education reform must continue at pace because the world never stops changing,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2016.