By Md. Asadullah Khan
India is currently passing through a crucial phase of educational transformation. The National Education Policy (NEP 2020) has attempted to redirect the country’s education system towards a new vision – one that goes beyond textbooks and examinations to focus on personality development, practical skills, creativity, and alignment with contemporary global needs. The training will be provided by experienced education experts and alumni of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Azim Premji University (APU), and Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU). However, a key question remains: Are our schools, teachers, and educational institutions fully prepared for this transformation?
Education experts widely agree that policy reforms alone cannot bring meaningful change. Real transformation happens only when teachers are well-trained, school leadership is proactive, and institutions are capable of implementing reforms at the ground level. It is in this context that the “School Upscaling Programme – Batch 3” initiated by the Holistic Education Trust gains significant importance.
This programme is not merely a training course; it is a structured and serious initiative aimed at improving the quality of education, teaching practices, school leadership, and institutional effectiveness across Indian schools. Importantly, it has been designed in alignment with NEP 2020 to ensure that schools and teachers are equipped to adapt to the evolving educational landscape.
Evolving Concept of Education
There was a time when education was largely confined to textbooks and examination scores. Today, however, global education systems are rapidly evolving. The objective of education is no longer limited to the transfer of information; it now focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving ability, inquiry-based learning, and life skills.
NEP 2020 strongly supports this shift by promoting competency-based learning, experiential learning, skill-based education, and student-centred pedagogy. However, the ground reality is that many schools in India are still following traditional teaching methods.
A significant number of teachers are not fully familiar with modern pedagogical approaches and emerging educational frameworks. As a result, many classrooms continue to operate in an exam-centric system, which limits students’ creativity and critical thinking. The School Upscaling Programme aims to bridge this gap.
Beyond Lectures: Practical Training Approach
Teacher training programmes in India have often been criticised for being theoretical and ceremonial in nature. Teachers attend workshops, receive certificates, and eventually return to their conventional teaching methods.
The key strength of the School Upscaling Programme is its implementation-based training model. Teachers are not only provided with theoretical knowledge but are also trained in practical classroom application.
The programme includes:
- Practical assignments,
- Classroom-based practice,
- Continuous mentorship,
- Monthly review meetings, and
- Structured evaluation system.
This ensures that training directly translates into improved classroom learning outcomes. For this reason, the programme is increasingly being described as an “educational transformation initiative” rather than a conventional training course.
NEP 2020 and New Responsibilities of Teachers
The National Education Policy 2020 places strong emphasis on the professional development of teachers. Regular training has now become a key requirement for improving educational quality. The government and various educational boards are now making it mandatory for teachers, principals, and school leaders to undergo a minimum of 50 hours of training annually.
This change clearly indicates that in the coming times, degrees or experience alone will not be sufficient; rather, continuous training, modern teaching skills, and educational leadership will define the success of any school.
The School Upscaling Programme includes key focus areas such as:
- Foundational Literacy and Numeracy,
- Digital Teaching Skills,
- Classroom Management,
- Student Engagement,
- Leadership Development,
- Assessment Methods, and
- Competency-Based Education.
These components are designed to prepare teachers and school leaders for the demands of modern education.
Reach Across 70+ Schools
According to Holistic Education Trust, more than 70 schools across India have already benefited from the first two batches of the programme. Participating institutions have reported noticeable improvements in teaching quality, student engagement, and school management systems.
Experts believe that in a country as large and diverse as India, policy-level reforms alone are not sufficient. Educational institutions and civil society organisations must also play an active role in driving change.
Holistic School Development Approach
A major feature of the programme is its focus on overall school development, not just teacher training. A successful school today is defined not only by good teachers but also by:
- Strong leadership,
- Efficient administration,
- Positive school culture,
- Effective parent engagement,
- Active student participation, and
- Strategic academic planning.
Therefore, School Leadership and Management Development is a core component of the programme.
Online Training for Wider Access
The programme is conducted in online mode over a period of six months, making it accessible to schools in remote and resource-limited regions.
In the post-COVID era, online education and training have gained significant importance. If used effectively, this digital approach can become a powerful tool for educational transformation in India.
Significance for Schools Associated with Jamaat Institutions
The programme, organised under the Central Education Board of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, reflects a growing recognition among affiliated educational institutions of the need to balance modern academic standards with ethical and value-based education.
Today, parents expect schools not only to provide a moral environment but also to ensure quality education, English proficiency, digital skills, and effective leadership development. In this context, the School Upscaling Programme offers an important opportunity for institutional growth and modernisation while maintaining value-based education.
The Need for Quality Education
India’s future does not depend merely on the number of schools but on the quality of education they provide. The real goal is to nurture a generation that is knowledgeable, skilled, confident, and morally responsible. This can only be achieved when:
- Teachers are well-trained,
- Schools adopt modern pedagogical practices,
- Leadership is active and visionary, and
- Institutions continuously evolve.
The School Upscaling Programme – Batch 3 is a commendable step in this direction. If such initiatives are strengthened and expanded, they can bring meaningful and lasting transformation to India’s education system.
Education remains the foundation of any nation’s progress, and strong nations are always built on strong educational systems. This programme reflects that very vision.
