Terms of Reference for Individual International Consultancy TOR Reference Number: 2012/05 1.

Background

The Educational Development Centre (EDC) of the Ministry of Education is currently in the process of implementing a major curriculum reform in the Maldives. In this regard, UNICEF has provided support to develop a National Curriculum Framework and EDC is in the process of piloting some of the changes in 2012. The first phase of implementation is scheduled to begin in January 2013. The curricular reforms include guidelines to schools on effective pedagogy and assessment as they play a critical role in the impact of the curriculum on student learning. The new curriculum promotes an active learning approach with an emphasis on holistic development. It aims to empower learners to reach their maximum potential and attain personal excellence. This requires that schools offer learning experiences that are challenging at the appropriate level, requiring deep understanding, involving active participation, and able to sustain learners motivation. The results of the piloting indicate that schools require continual support in bringing about this shift in pedagogy and the need for appropriate instructional materials to supplement the curriculum documents. Formative assessment practices are new and while schools require guided support on how to embed assessment into the teaching and learning process, the curriculum team seeks advice on how to incorporate assessment into the instructional materials that they produce. Also evident is that existing policy on assessment needs to reflect the changes in the curriculum. As such, support is required, through a consultancy, to align existing policy on assessment to the new curriculum as well as to strengthen capacity of educators in using assessment to enhance learning.
i. ii. iii. 2. What is the basic project objective to which the consultancy is related i. To review existing policy and training materials on assessment and align it to the National Curriculum ii. To advice the curriculum team at EDC on incorporating assessment tools into instructional materials and in developing reporting mechanisms iii. To conduct a short training programme for teacher educators, curriculum developers and leading teachers on using assessment to enhance learning 3. Duty station The consultancy is expected to be conducted in three phases phase 1 and 3 being in Maldives and phase 2 from home base. 4. Major tasks to be accomplished The major tasks to be accomplished include the following: Phase 1:

Phase 1: Country Visit (5 working days) a. Meetings and discussions with relevant stakeholders to understand the policy on assessment and the need for changes in policy to align it with the curriculum reform. 1

b.

Review of assessment practices and reporting mechanisms in schools by studying relevant documents, obtaining information from stakeholders through focus group meetings, and through school visits. Study curriculum documents to determine the changes expected. c. Review existing training materials on assessment including those offered at the Centre for Continuing Education. Phase 2: From home base (1 month) a. Revise assessment policy to reflect changes to the curriculum. b. Review instructional materials being developed by EDC for the new curriculum and provide advice on the assessment strategies to be included. c. Review the existing training materials and modify to reflect current international practice and align to the curricula reforms.

Phase 3: Country Visit (7 working days) a. Conduct a training workshop for 30 teacher educators, curriculum developers and leading teachers on effective assessment practices to enhance learning (1 week) b. Present the revised assessment policy to key stakeholders highlighting the changes 5. Estimated duration of contract and deadline for submission of end-product
It is estimated that the consultant will work for 6 weeks in total of which 5 days during the first phase and for 7 working days during the third phase will be in Maldives to complete the outlined tasks 6. Deliverables.

Phase 1 :
a. A report consisting of the findings of the review of assessment practices and policy documents with recommendations on strengthening assessment to promote learning.

Phase 2
a. Revised assessment policy and toolkit b. Recommendations for changes to instructional materials c. Revised training materials

Phase 3:
1. Training workshop completed. 2. Final report of consultancy b. Official travel involved (itinerary and duration) Travel to Maldives during Phase 1 & 3 and possibly local travel during phase 1. c. Qualifications or specialized knowledge and/or experience required

Education and experience: - Masters Degree in Education, preferably with secialization in assessment. - At least 5 years of previous experience in assessment and evaluation - Experience in teaching at primary/secondary schools - Evidence of thorough understanding of current theory and research in assessment for learning - Understanding of the Maldivian educational context will be an added advantage Language(s): 2

Other Skills: -

Fluent in written and spoken English Good analytical skills Proven ability to work to a timeframe and meet deadlines Good command of computer skills Excellent communication

Deadline for applications is 2nd May 2012. Applications with updated CV, proposed fee for each phase separately should be submitted to [email protected], cc: [email protected] OR forwarded under confidential cover to the Operations Officer, UNICEF, UN Building, Male, Maldives on or before the deadline.