• The Andhra Pradesh government inked a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoU) with the International Baccalaureate (IB), In a significant move towards advancing the global employability of students.
• The agreement reflects the state's commitment to strategic partnership for future-ready skills.
• As part of the agreement, IB and SCERT will conduct a comprehensive six-month survey.
• Under the first phase of this transformative collaboration, the Andhra Pradesh government will invest Rs 5 crore in IB.
• This partnership will underscore the state's dedication to educational excellence and will position Andhra Pradesh as a pioneer in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

In a significant move towards advancing the global employability of students, the Andhra Pradesh government inked a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoU) on Wednesday with the International Baccalaureate (IB). The collaboration aims to jointly issue certificates to school and junior college students in association with the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), according to an official statement. The agreement reflects the state's commitment to equipping students with forward-looking skill sets, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, large language models, and data analytics. By partnering with IB, the Andhra Pradesh government seeks to enhance students' readiness for the global job market, focusing on essential skills such as critical thinking, design thinking, problem-solving, and the practical application of knowledge. Principal Secretary Praveen Prakash emphasized the strategic choice of IB for preparing students, aligning them with future job requirements, and fostering global employability. The collaboration aims to go beyond traditional education methods, fostering a holistic approach to education that is in sync with the evolving demands of the workforce.

As part of the agreement, IB and SCERT will conduct a comprehensive six-month survey. This survey will assess the educational landscape across grades 1 to 12, to align the 10th and 12th standard education boards in Andhra Pradesh with IB standards. The partnership envisions a seamless integration of IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme, IB Diploma Programme, and IB Career Related Programme over a 14-year timeline.

Under the first phase of this transformative collaboration, the Andhra Pradesh government will invest Rs 5 crore in IB. This financial commitment will facilitate the deployment of 26 specialists to conduct an in-depth study of school infrastructure, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment methods, and other vital aspects. The insights gained from this phase will inform the subsequent implementation of IB's internationally recognized programs. This ground-breaking partnership not only underscores the state's dedication to educational excellence but also positions Andhra Pradesh as a pioneer in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. As the collaboration unfolds, it is expected to usher in a new era of educational innovation and global competitiveness for students in the southern state.

(With inputs from agencies)