Andhra Pradesh Govt, ETS to boost English language proficiency among students

NEW DELHI: The Government of Andhra Pradesh announced today a joint agreement with the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to provide English assessments to students in the state’s government schools.

Under the directives of chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, the agreement aims to fortify the language capabilities of students and promote academic excellence by equipping them with the necessary skills.

In addition to student-focused initiatives, the partnership between ETS and the educational institution extends to enhancing teacher capacity in English language instruction. As part of this collaboration, ETS will organize a three-day workshop at its headquarters in Princeton, NJ, USA. This workshop will provide participating teachers with valuable insights and training in English language instruction. One of the highlights of the workshop is the opportunity for teachers to engage directly with the creators of the TOEFL Young Students Series tests.

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The official release reads: "As part of this five-year initiative, ETS will evaluate and certify the English language proficiency of students ranging from Class 3 to 10 across all government schools through its TOEFL® Young Students Series assessments. Schools will leverage TOEFL Primary® and TOEFL Junior® Standard Tests to assess the English reading and listening skills of students in Class 3 through 5 and Class 6 through 9, respectively, while the TOEFL Junior Speaking Test will assess the English-speaking skills of Class 10 students. Since most of these students are considered first-generation English-language learners, customized “Readiness Tests” will determine their readiness to take Certification Tests."

Speaking about the collaboration, CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy said, "Our mission is to empower our students to become globally employable individuals, transcending the boundaries of government schools. By taking up this noble endeavour, we are committed to making a profound societal impact. Challenges fuel our determination, and it is through these challenges that we rise. Our vision extends beyond the junior level as we aspire to expand our efforts to the senior level, leaving no student behind. Together, we will revolutionize education and pave the way for a brighter future."

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“We are proud to work with the Government of Andhra Pradesh on this ground-breaking initiative. We have seen first-hand the power of the English language as a gateway to global opportunity. Through the emphasis of English skill development at a young age, students in Andhra Pradesh will be better prepared for success is the long term. We commend Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy for his partnership and look forward to seeing the impact of our collaboration on this region and beyond", added Sachin Jain, Country Manager, ETS India.

The partnership between the Government of Andhra Pradesh and ETS is set to empower the state's students with enhanced language skills and academic achievements. This collaborative effort underscores Andhra Pradesh's dedication to fostering a comprehensive educational ecosystem that promotes holistic growth and global competitiveness.