“SSK Leap: Advancing Educational Guidance Through Teacher Training”
The recent SSK Teachers Training, held at Abad Plaza in Ernakulam, marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between the STARS Project of Sarva Shiksha Kerala and ASAP Kerala. The partnership aims to develop an innovative aptitude test titled ‘SSK Leap’, designed specifically for students of grade 8 in the state. This test, focusing on assessing students’ interests, strengths, and achievements, provides valuable insights to guide them toward prospective areas of higher education.
Conducted by Dr. Shiju P., Head of the Department of Psychology at Government Women’s College, Trivandrum, the training session witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 70 teachers selected from various regions of the state. The response to the ‘SSK Leap’ aptitude test was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its role as the first step in a meticulously designed programme that seeks to scientifically guide students.
Mr. Radhakrishnan, Assistant Director of the Public Education Department and Consultant to STARS, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the programme. Trained faculty members will offer advice to students based on their test results, with additional support facilitated by ASAP Kerala. Looking ahead, the programme envisions the inclusion of a final aptitude test at the 10th standard level to further refine educational directives.
The STARS Project, endorsed by the Union Government of India and financially supported by the World Bank, falls under the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education (MoE). With a focus on enhancing the assessment system in schools and ensuring equal education for all, the STARS Project covers six Indian states: Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Odisha.
Cdr. Vinod Sankar, Head of Funding Vertical and Assessment Division at ASAP Kerala, presided over the session, further emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing educational guidance and reform.