The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 intends to enhance India’s education system by developing an assessment ecosystem and setting standards to promote the efficacy and efficiency of the school education system. To work towards these goals, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has prepared a Standards Framework for Excellence in School Education called the School Quality Assessment and Assurance (SQAA) Framework.

Highlights:

1. The SQAA Framework provides standards in different areas of school functioning, such as curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, infrastructure, inclusive practices, human resources, management and governance, leadership, and beneficiary satisfaction.
2. The framework enables schools to engage in an ongoing process of self-assessment and review their performance across core functions of the school to strive towards continuous improvement.
3. All affiliated schools will be required to undertake self-assessment on the SQAA Portal every year between April 1 and December 31.
4. Schools applying for Fresh affiliation, switchover, upgrade, or extension beyond April 2023 will have to mandatorily submit the self-assessment under SQAA.
5. The objective of integrating the SQAA Framework with Fresh Affiliation/Switch Over, Upgrade, or Extension is to provide schools with an opportunity to self-assess themselves, identify gaps, and design plans for improving their systems and processes.
6. The School Affiliation Re-Engineered Automation System (SARAS) portal will be accepting applications for Fresh affiliation, switchover, upgrade, and extension for the session 2024-25.
7. The schools can undertake self-assessment against the SQAA Framework on the CBSE SQAA Portal on the CBSE website.
8. The self-assessment submitted by the schools would not be made public and would be visible to the concerned school only after logging in to the SQAA Portal.
9. Orientation sessions will be organized by the Board in the Month of April 2023 for all the schools, as per the notification issued by the authorities.

One way in which schools can use the CBSE SQAA Framework to improve their performance is by setting SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) based on the assessment results. For example, a school might set a goal to improve the quality of its teaching and learning practices by implementing student-centred approaches and conducting regular teacher training programmes. By tracking progress against these goals and making adjustments as needed, schools can steadily improve their performance and provide a better education to their students.

FAQs

Q: What is an effective way to implement the SQAA Framework in a CBSE school?

A: An effective way to implement the SQAA Framework is to form a committee of teachers, school management, and other stakeholders who are responsible for reviewing the school’s progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made. The committee can also develop action plans to address these areas of improvement.

Q: How can teachers be trained to effectively implement the SQAA Framework?

A: Teachers can be trained to effectively implement the SQAA Framework through professional development programmes, workshops, and training sessions. These programmes should focus on helping teachers understand the standards set by the framework and how they can implement best practices to meet these standards.

Q: What is the role of school principals in implementing the SQAA Framework?

A: School principals play a crucial role in implementing the SQAA Framework. They are responsible for ensuring that the school meets the standards set by the framework and that the teachers and other stakeholders are effectively implementing best practices to improve the school.

Q: What is the CBSE SQAA Framework?

A: The CBSE SQAA (School Quality Assessment and Assurance) Framework is a standards-based tool for assessing and improving the quality of school education. It provides a comprehensive and systematic approach to evaluating schools across a range of key performance areas and helping them identify areas for improvement.

Q: What are the key areas covered under the CBSE SQAA Framework?

A: The CBSE SQAA Framework covers various key areas, including curriculum design and implementation, teaching and learning practices, student assessment, infrastructure and facilities, student safety and well-being, leadership and management, and community engagement.

Q: How does the CBSE SQAA Framework help schools improve?

A: The CBSE SQAA Framework provides a structured and evidence-based approach to identify areas of strength and weakness in schools. It helps schools to set goals, plan interventions, and track progress towards achieving their objectives. By regularly assessing and evaluating their performance against the SQAA standards, schools can continuously improve the quality of education they provide to their students.

Q: How is the CBSE SQAA Framework different from other assessment tools?

A: The CBSE SQAA Framework is unique in its comprehensive and holistic approach to evaluating schools. It covers a wide range of key performance areas and provides detailed standards for each, along with indicators of good practice and evidence-based criteria for evaluation. The SQAA process also involves a rigorous self-assessment by the school, followed by an external assessment by a team of trained assessors, which provides valuable feedback and insights to the school.

Q: What are the benefits of implementing the CBSE SQAA Framework?

A: Implementing the CBSE SQAA Framework can bring several benefits to schools, such as improving the quality of education, enhancing the overall learning experience for students, and promoting the professional development of teachers and staff. It can also help schools identify and address areas of weakness, enhance their reputation and credibility, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Q: What are some simple tips to improve school ranking based on CBSE’s SQAA Framework?

A: There are several simple tips that can help improve a school’s ranking based on the CBSE’s SQAA Framework. These include focusing on improving teacher training and development programmes, providing students with personalized learning experiences, promoting co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and engaging with parents and the wider community to build strong partnerships.

Q: How can schools incorporate innovative ideas to improve their ranking based on the CBSE’s SQAA Framework?

A: Schools can incorporate several innovative ideas to improve their ranking based on CBSE’s SQAA Framework. For instance, schools can use technology-based learning platforms and tools to enhance student learning and engagement. They can also introduce project-based learning approaches, gamification of learning, and experiential learning to make learning more interesting and impactful.

Q: What role does student involvement play in improving a school’s ranking based on the CBSE’s SQAA Framework?

A: Student involvement is crucial in improving a school’s ranking based on CBSE’s SQAA Framework. Encouraging students to participate in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, providing them with leadership opportunities, and involving them in school improvement initiatives can lead to better student outcomes and improved school performance.

Q: How important is teacher training and development in improving a school’s ranking based on the CBSE’s SQAA Framework?

A: Teacher training and development are critical in improving a school’s ranking based on CBSE’s SQAA Framework. Providing teachers with regular professional development opportunities, mentoring and coaching programs, and access to the latest teaching methodologies and resources can lead to improved teaching quality, enhanced student engagement, and better academic outcomes.

Q: Can community involvement help schools improve their ranking based on the CBSE’s SQAA Framework?

A: Yes, community involvement can help schools improve their ranking based on CBSE’s SQAA Framework. Engaging with parents, community leaders, and local organizations to build partnerships and support school improvement initiatives can lead to improved student outcomes, enhanced school culture, and better community relations.

Q: How can Learning Management Systems (LMS) and School Management Software (SMS) help in implementing innovative approaches like flipped classrooms and blended learning?

A: LMS and SMS can provide a central platform for teachers and students to access and manage digital resources, such as online textbooks, videos, and interactive tools. This can help facilitate the implementation of innovative teaching methods like flipped classroom and blended learning by allowing students to access these resources at their own pace and outside of the classroom. Additionally, LMS and SMS can provide tools for teachers to create and manage online assessments, assignments, and grading, which can further support innovative teaching methods.

Q: How can online assessment of students help in implementing innovative approaches like flipped classrooms and blended learning?

A: Online assessment can provide teachers with instant feedback on student performance and help identify areas where students need additional support or resources. This information can be used to adjust teaching methods and improve student learning outcomes. Additionally, online assessment can provide opportunities for formative assessment, which can help students monitor their own progress and identify areas where they may need additional practice.

Q: How can clickers be used in the classroom to support innovative teaching methods?

A: Clickers can be used to create interactive learning experiences in the classroom, allowing students to answer questions and participate in discussions in real-time. This can help keep students engaged and active in the learning process, and provide teachers with immediate feedback on student understanding. Clickers can also be used for formative assessment, allowing teachers to adjust their teaching methods based on student responses.

Q: How can schools ensure the success of these innovative approaches in the SQAA framework assessment?

A: Schools can ensure the success of these innovative approaches by setting clear learning objectives and aligning them with the SQAA framework. They can also provide teachers with professional development opportunities to learn how to effectively implement innovative teaching methods and technologies. Additionally, schools can regularly assess student learning outcomes and adjust teaching methods as necessary to ensure success in the SQAA framework assessment.

Q: What is an LMS and how can it benefit my school?

A: An LMS (Learning Management System) is a software application that helps schools manage and deliver educational content, track student progress, and facilitate communication between teachers and students. It can benefit your school by providing a centralized platform for course materials, assessments, and student engagement.

Q: How do I choose the right LMS for my school?

A: Choosing the right LMS depends on your school’s specific needs and requirements. Consider factors such as ease of use, features, scalability, and cost when evaluating different LMS options.

Q: What is a clicker-based setup, and how can it enhance classroom learning?

A: A clicker-based setup is a classroom response system that allows students to respond to questions using a wireless handheld device. It can enhance classroom learning by providing instant feedback to teachers on student understanding, promoting student engagement, and facilitating class discussions.

Q: What are the benefits of an online assessment portal for schools?

A: An online assessment portal can streamline the assessment process for schools, allowing teachers to create and administer tests and quizzes online, and providing immediate feedback to students. It can also help schools track student progress and provide data-driven insights to inform instructional strategies.

Q: How do I launch an LMS or online assessment portal in my school?

A: Launching an LMS or online assessment portal requires careful planning and coordination with stakeholders. Determine your school’s specific needs and goals, select the appropriate software, develop a training plan for teachers and students, and communicate the launch plan to all stakeholders.

Q: How can I ensure the successful adoption of an LMS or online assessment portal in my school?

A: Successful adoption of an LMS or online assessment portal requires ongoing support and training for teachers and students. Provide opportunities for professional development, encourage collaboration among teachers, and solicit feedback from users to ensure continuous improvement.

Q: What are some common challenges schools may face when implementing an LMS or online assessment portal?

A: Common challenges include resistance to change, technical issues, a lack of teacher buy-in, and difficulty integrating with existing systems. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach, clear communication, and a willingness to adapt to feedback and user needs.

Q: What is Moodle, and how can it benefit schools?

A: Moodle is a Learning Management System (LMS) that allows schools to create and manage their own online courses. It is free-to-use software. It provides a platform for teachers to deliver educational content and interact with students online. Moodle can benefit schools by allowing them to create and manage their own e-learning courses, track student progress, and engage with students more effectively.

Q: How can schools write effective learning objectives?

A: To write effective learning objectives, schools should consider the following:

• Start with an action verb that describes the desired outcome of the learning
• State the expected level of performance or competency
• Include the conditions under which the learning will take place (e.g., with the help of a teacher, using a specific tool or resource)
• Make sure the objective is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART)

Q: What are competencies, and how can schools set them for students?

A: Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and abilities that students need to develop in order to be successful in school and beyond. To set competencies for students, schools should consider the following:

• Identify the key skills and knowledge areas that students need to develop
• Determine the level of proficiency that students should reach in each competency
• Align competencies with learning objectives and assessments
• Continuously monitor and assess students’ progress towards achieving each competency

Q: How can schools ensure that students accomplish their competencies?

A: Schools can ensure that students accomplish their competencies by:

• Providing clear and specific learning objectives and competencies
• Offering differentiated instruction and personalized learning opportunities
• Providing regular and meaningful feedback to students
• Using formative and summative assessments to track student progress and adjust instruction as needed

Encouraging student self-reflection and self-assessment

Q: What is a clicker-based setup, and how can it benefit schools?

A: A clicker-based setup involves the use of clickers or student response systems to allow students to respond to questions and participate in class discussions. This technology can benefit schools by:

• Increasing student engagement and participation in class
• Providing immediate feedback to teachers on student understanding
• Allowing teachers to adjust instruction and reteach concepts as needed
• Encouraging peer-to-peer collaboration and discussion

Q: How can an online assessment portal benefit schools?

A: An online assessment portal can benefit schools by:

• Streamlining the assessment process and reducing administrative tasks
• Allowing for more frequent and timely assessments of student progress
• Providing immediate feedback to students on their performance
• Allowing for the tracking of student progress over time and identifying areas of strength and weakness.

Q: How can school principals ensure effective implementation of the SQAA Framework?

A: School principals can ensure effective implementation of the SQAA Framework by providing leadership and support to the committee responsible for implementing the framework. They can also regularly monitor the school’s progress, provide feedback to teachers, and allocate resources to address areas of improvement.

Q: What is the importance of community engagement in the SQAA Framework?

A: Community engagement is an important aspect of the SQAA Framework because it helps schools build strong relationships with their communities and promote collaboration between schools, families, and the broader community. This can lead to better outcomes for students and help schools tpromoteso meet the standards set by the framework.

Q: How can schools engage with their communities to meet the standards set by the SQAA Framework?

A: Schools can engage with their communities to meet the standards set by the SQAA Framework by involving families and community members in school events, forming partnerships with local organizations, and using social media to communicate with the broader community.

Q: What are some best practices for schools to meet the standards set by the SQAA Framework?

A: Some best practices for schools to meet the standards set by the SQAA Framework include regularly reviewing and updating their curriculum, providing professional development opportunities for teachers, implementing effective assessment practices, and using technology to support teaching and learning.

Q: How can schools use technology to support teaching and learning and meet the standards set by the SQAA Framework?

A: Schools can use technology such as learning management systems (LMS), online assessment portals, and clickers to support teaching and learning and meet the standards set by the SQAA Framework. These technologies can help teachers personalize learning for students, provide real-time feedback, and track student progress.

LearnPlusPlus is actively looking for experienced teachers from renowned CBSE schools to join our team of educational consultants. Our goal is to assist CBSE schools in adopting student-centric teaching and learning approaches while promoting best practices through workshops for CBSE school teachers. If you are interested in joining us, please write to rk.suresh@learnglobe.in.

Dr Suresh R K

Founder and CEO

LearnPlusPlus