4 th International Policy Dialogue Forum on Teacher Challenges in India Overview of the Forum

1. 4thInternational Policy Dialogue Forum on Teacher Challenges in IndiaOverview of the Forum 29 May 2012 Presented by E. Adubra, Head, Secretariat of the International Task Force on Teachers for EFA - e.adubra@unesco.org

2. Context and Objectives INDIA The Task Force The EFA goals and global teacher gaps: implications for teachers (quantity & quality) Centrality of teachers in EFA and MDG’s: The Oslo 2008 declaration creating the Task Force Global alliance to tackle the 3 gaps: policy, capacity, and finance Coordination and advocacy • The SarvaShikshaAbhiyan: the GoI’s UEE (UPE) programme: implications for teacher needs (quantity & quality) • Teachers’ key role in education for the national development of an emerging economy with a large & diverse population • Need for a comprehensive approach: input – process- output; innovation, partnerships • Objectives: • Share the Indian experiences and efforts • Deliberate over the issues addressed by the sub-themes • Come up with recommendations to inform policies • Infuse new dynamism in North-South and South-South cooperation

3. Content and Format of the Policy dialogue forum Content: Sub-themes Format A blend of plenary sessions and group activities A rich presentation of the Indian situation Cross-fertilization with global perspectives on issues A window for non-physical participants (media coverage, webcast) Exhibition • Professional development of Teachers • Decentralization: challenges and responses • Gender issues in the teaching force • Public-private partnerships to address the teacher gap • Inclusive education: teachers for learners with special needs • M & E of teacher policy reforms

4. Why does the Task Force uses policy dialogue to address teacher challenges? The conferences and meetings the Task Force organizes are NOT ends in themselves. They are “battery-charging” pauses we offer decision-makers and practitioners, enabling them to break away from routine work to refresh knowledge, expertise and motivation for more innovative and evidence-based policy formulation, implementation and evaluation. Participation in these forums are a journey that has started before you even receive invitation to be part. Information you have gathered for sharing; the mental disposition you adopt for listening, sharing and networking makes the journey both enjoyable and useful. The journey continues beyond the recommendations adopted and the final reports you take back home or find on our website. This journey will NEVER end until - through our concerted follow-up actions - teacher policies and practices are revised and implemented, and ALL learners - rich or poor, young or adult, male or female, rural or urban, whatever their specific learning needs – have access to well prepared, justly remunerated, duly respected and highly committed teachers! Edem Adubra, Head of the Secretariat, International Task Force on Teachers for EFA UNESCO – Paris e.adubra@unesco.org