Seema Sapru is principal of the IB (Geneva), CAIE (UK) and CISCE-affiliated The Heritage School, Kolkata (estb.2001). A chemistry and education postgraduate of Meerut University who pressed on to study school and strategic leadership management and multiple intelligences theory at IIM-Ahmedabad and Harvard University, Sapru also serves on the affiliation inspectors panel of CISCE.

 Are you satisfied with the Union Budget 2018-19 allocation of Rs.85,010 crore for education?

Only if this allocation can trickle down to the most underprivileged groups and save us from the impending demographic disaster, can this year’s budget be considered useful. The government’s initiative to shift from black board to digital learning will require better infrastructure and more funds than provided. Moreover, parents of school-going children deserve tax relief because of rising school fees. 

How satisfied are you with the quality of exam boards’ syllabuses/curriculums and prescribed textbooks?

Every child must be provided a series of experiences to enable her to apply her learning to real-life situations. Unfortunately, current curriculums don’t offer these experiences. The scope for learning by research is minimal as open-ended questions are not encouraged, and volume of content is huge with little depth. 

What is your solution for upgrading board syllabuses and curriculums and textbooks to produce students ready for the 21st century job market?

Our curriculums must use technology to widen the scope of learning and make it flexible. Additionally, school curriculums must focus on holistic learning and promote textbooks with age-appropriate and gender-neutral content. The assessment system should test the application and analytical abilities of learners.

What are your suggestions for reforming K-12 education?

• Encourage social interaction among preschoolers to develop good listening and communication skills from youngest age.

• Promote a culture of continuous professional development among teachers/educators.

• Personalise instruction design to align with each student’s style of learning.