A teacher engages pupils during a lesson at a primary school. --Photo BEQUAL programme

Education ministry approves revised primary teaching standards

The Ministry of Education and Sports has approved revised primary teaching standards, following a major reform of the primary school curriculum and the roll out of the new curriculum for Grades 1 to 5.

The revised standards set a clear baseline of expectations for the professional development and conduct of primary teachers to support improved student learning outcomes.

Development of the standards was supported by the Australian government and the US Agency for International Development, through the Basic Education Quality and Access in Laos (BEQUAL) programme. 

The Primary Teaching Standards were approved by Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Dr Sisouk Vongvichit on November 3.

The ministry's Teacher Education Department is planning to hold a high-level workshop in January 2024.

International best practice suggests that primary school teachers require a clearly articulated set of teaching standards directly linked to the curriculum they are expected to teach. 

The revised standards will provide a clear link between the revised primary curriculum and the knowledge, skills and values that teachers need to teach this curriculum effectively.

Director General of the ministry's Teacher Education Department, Mr Keth Phanlack, said that with the revised primary curriculum in place, there is now a focus on supporting policy and strengthening systems for teacher professional development. 

It is a good example of collaboration between the different ministry departments, he added.

The revised Primary Teaching Standards include four main domains of competency that teachers should demonstrate across three proficiency levels.

Mr Keth said they are a key tool in the quality assurance of the teacher education system and in ensuring effective and relevant continuing professional development for primary school teachers.

The Primary Teaching Standards will have many uses linked to continuing professional development (CPD) activities.  

They provide a clear guide for those designing and providing CPD support for teachers so that it fully aligns with the knowledge, skills and values required by teachers to improve student learning outcomes.

Teachers will be able use the standards to support their own professional development as they engage in ongoing self-assessment and goal setting.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 10, 2023)