Developing Curriculum Standards

FINALLY after 10 years! Changes Coming to ISO 14001 – What Certified Companies Need to Know ISO has released Draft Amendment 2 to ISO 14001:2015, and the updates are far from minor. If your company is certified, it's time to pay attention. Here are some changes — and why they matters: ✅ 1. New Focus on Climate and Biodiversity Organizations must now consider environmental conditions like climate change, ecosystem health, and pollution levels in their EMS planning. ✅ 2. Compliance Language Tightened Say goodbye to vague wording. The standard now uses “meet compliance obligations,” signaling a more precise expectation. ✅ 3. Life Cycle Thinking Strengthened From raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal, life cycle perspective must be clearly integrated into EMS decisions. ✅ 4. Transparency Gets a Boost It’s not just about documentation — it’s about making environmental information available to interested parties. ✅ 5. Risk-Based Planning Expanded Companies must now link risks and opportunities directly to external environmental changes and internal decision-making. 🟩 These revisions are still in draft — but if you want to stay ahead of the curve, now is the time to act. 🔗 Follow LRQA profile for expert updates, guidance, and transition support. #ISO14001 #EMS #Sustainability #Compliance #ISOUpdate #ClimateRisk #LRQA #ManagementSystems #LifeCycleManagement

Edtech is often criticised for poor quality, misuse of student data and limited learning impact (I’ve voiced those concerns myself several times). But we can’t hold systems accountable without first showing what good or exceptional performance looks like. Once that’s clear, we can create competitive pressure and drive improvement.  ⬇️ Excited to finally share our paper in HSCC Springer Nature that outlines key benchmark criteria for high-quality EdTech. The paper summarises the work our research group has been doing over the past three years. It focuses on educational impact and edtech’s added value for students’ learning. 📚 After an extensive literature review and cross-sector consultations, we’ve developed a multidimensional framework grounded in the “5Es” — efficacy, effectiveness, ethics, equity, and environment.  Efficacy and Effectiveness combine experimental evidence with process-focused metrics and pedagogical implementation studies. Broader metrics focus on ethical data processing, inclusive and equitable approaches and edtech’s environmental impact. 👇 The fifteen tiered impact indicators already guide a comprehensive and flexible evaluation process of international policymakers, educators, EdTech developers and certification bodies (see EduEvidence - The International Certification of Evidence of Impact in Education and our case studies). 🙏 Huge thanks to all who contributed, especially through our participatory Delphi process. Your insights were invaluable! Nicola Pitchford Anna Lindroos Cermakova Olav Schewe Janine Campbell /Rhys Spence Jakub Labun Samuel Kembou, PhD Tal Havivi/ Ayça Atabey Dr. Yenda Prado Sofia Shengjergji, PhD Parker Van Nostrand David Dockterman Stephen Cory Robinson Andra Siibak Petra Vackova Stef Mills Michael H. Levine  #EdTech #ImpactMeasurement #5Es #EdTechQuality #EdTechStandards 👇 Read here or download from:

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 In the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, the education system must adapt to meet the demands of technological advancements, shifting workforce requirements, and diverse learning needs. Preparing students for future success requires a transformation in teaching methodologies and a stronger emphasis on empowering educators. A critical component of this evolution lies in equipping teachers with the tools, skills, and resources necessary to create engaging, personalized, and impactful learning experiences. Here are several strategies schools can adopt to enhance their teaching approaches: Incorporating Technology: Utilize digital tools such as learning management systems, educational apps, and immersive technologies like virtual reality to improve engagement and accessibility for students. Personalized Learning: Develop tailored learning plans that address the unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles of each student, fostering individual growth. Project-Based Learning: Introduce real-world projects that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, enabling students to apply their knowledge in practical settings. Collaborative Learning Environments: Design flexible and interactive classroom spaces that facilitate teamwork, discussion, and innovative problem-solving. Continuous Professional Development for Educators: Offer ongoing training programs for teachers to keep them updated on the latest pedagogical techniques, technologies, and best practices.

Learning flourishes when students are exposed to a rich tapestry of strategies that activate different parts of the brain and heart. Beyond memorization and review, innovative approaches like peer teaching, role-playing, project-based learning, and multisensory exploration allow learners to engage deeply and authentically. For example, when students teach a concept to classmates, they strengthen their communication, metacognition, and confidence. Role-playing historical events or scientific processes builds empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Project-based learning such as designing a community garden or creating a presentation fosters collaboration, creativity, and real-world application. Multisensory strategies like using manipulatives, visuals, movement, and sound especially benefit neurodiverse learners, enhancing retention, focus, and emotional connection to content. These methods don’t just improve academic outcomes they cultivate lifelong skills like adaptability, initiative, and resilience. When teachers intentionally layer strategies that match students’ strengths and needs, they create classrooms that are inclusive, dynamic, and deeply empowering. #LearningInEveryWay

🎯 One size never fits all in the classroom. That’s why differentiated instruction isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the reality of teaching today. This framework breaks it down into four simple levers: 1. Content → What students learn 2. Process → How students learn 3. Product → How students show learning 4. Environment → Where students learn When we adjust these, even slightly, we shift classrooms from “delivering lessons” to designing learning experiences. Some highlights I love from this chart: 📚 Tiered assignments & choice boards (student ownership in content) 🧩 Jigsaw method & gallery walks (collaboration in process) 🎭 Performance tasks & digital portfolios (creativity in product) 🪑 Flexible seating & movement breaks (agency in environment) It’s not about doing everything at once. It’s about finding the one small change that unlocks engagement for more students. 👉 Teachers, which of these strategies do you already use and which one are you curious to try next? #Education #TeachingStrategies #DifferentiatedInstruction #EdTech #ActiveLearning

Attention all ye who use GRI frameworks to prep #corporatesustainability reports: The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), which develops and maintains standards more than 14,000 companies worldwide use to disclose emissions and other environmental updates, is revising its widely used climate change and energy standards. The modifications announced June 26 require companies to share more information about how their strategies to address climate change and the phaseout of fossil fuels impact society in a much larger way than the existing versions. They take effect in January 2027, and will be piloted before the end of 2025. To appease reporting-weary sustainability practitioners, GRI prioritized aligning the two updates with other key standards and methodologies, notably the well-regarded IFRS S2 climate-related disclosures, intended for investors and managed by the International Sustainability Standards Board. The net effect: One data set can be used in multiple places. More details: https://lnkd.in/e_gr4EgB Trellis Group

Designing learning that works for every mind. In preparation for our session at World of Learning in October, Emma Hutchins and I are asking neurodivergent learners to share the 'one thing' above all others that would improve their digital learning experience. Thanks so much to everyone who engaged with and contributed to our last LI post. The list below is what we have so far. But are we missing anything? We'd love to hear from you in the comments if your 'one thing' doesn't appear on our list. Content design and structure - Provide clear and consistent instructions throughout all learning materials. - Ensure a clear and logical content structure so information fits neatly into well-defined categories. - Avoid poor colour contrast and other design issues that contribute to sensory overload. - Avoid locked navigation controls (like 'Continue' buttons) unless it is obvious what needs to be completed to progress. Control over media and sensory input - If possible, avoid linking to external video sites (such as YouTube) unless the learner’s return path is clear and accessible. - Do not include moving or animated content unless learners can pause or stop it. - Allow learners to change the speed of video content (both slower and faster) to suit their processing needs. - Always provide transcripts for video and audio to offer choice in how content is accessed. - Give learners control over narration and audio - allow them to start, stop, or bypass it entirely. - Keep multimedia experiences manageable to avoid overstimulation from multi-sensory overload. Assessment and feedback design - Write unambiguous questions and instructions and test them for clarity. - Provide clear, direct feedback for knowledge checks - explicitly state the correct answer and explain why it is correct. - Avoid double negatives in both questions and feedback, as they slow comprehension and retention. #WOL25 #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #Accessibility  (Five outlined human profiles, each with different colourful brain representations, including connected nodes, flowers, gears, puzzle pieces, and hearts, symbolising diverse thinking styles.)

Curriculum Development Process refers to the systematic planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs. It ensures that what students learn is relevant, coherent, and aligned with standards, student needs, and future societal demands. steps: 1. Needs Assessment Purpose: Identify gaps in current learning, student performance, and future workforce needs. Key Questions: What do students need to learn? What are the demands of the community, nation, or global trends? What skills do graduates need? 2. Define Aims, Goals, and Learning Outcomes Aims: Broad visions of what the curriculum intends to achieve. Goals: General statements about what learners will achieve. Learning Outcomes: Specific, measurable skills or knowledge students should acquire. 3. Content Selection and Organization Criteria: Relevance, balance, sequence, integration, continuity, and progression. Sources: National standards, subject experts, textbooks, research, local culture. 4. Choose Teaching and Learning Methods Consider diverse learners, learning styles, and 21st-century skills. Include: Active learning (group work, inquiry, project-based) Differentiation strategies Use of digital tools and blended learning 5. Develop Assessment and Evaluation Tools Formative Assessments: Ongoing checks during learning (quizzes, discussions). Summative Assessments: Final evaluations (exams, projects). Evaluation Tools: Rubrics, checklists, tests, peer/self-assessment. 6. Pilot Testing and Feedback Trial the curriculum in selected classrooms. Collect feedback from: Students Teachers Parents Educational leaders 7. Implementation Train teachers. Provide resources (books, digital tools). Monitor implementation closely. 8. Monitoring and Continuous Evaluation Assess student outcomes regularly. Gather teacher and stakeholder feedback. Revise and adapt based on: Achievement data Changing educational goals New research or policy changes Bonus: Curriculum Models Often Used Tyler Model: Objectives → Content → Method → Evaluation Taba Model: Teachers involved in design, inductive approach. Backward Design (Wiggins & McTighe): Start with desired results → plan assessments → then plan instruction.

📚 Latest Revision IS Codes Every Civil Engineer Must Know (2025 Update) 🏗️ Staying updated with the latest IS code revisions is not just good practice—it’s essential for safe, efficient, and regulation-compliant work in the civil engineering field. Here's a list of most important and recently revised IS codes that every civil engineer should keep handy: --- 🔹 IS 456:2000 (Under Revision) – Plain & Reinforced Concrete (💡 Stay tuned for the upcoming updated version!) 🔹 IS 10262:2019 – Concrete Mix Design (Latest method for mix proportioning) 🔹 IS 383:2016 – Coarse and Fine Aggregates for Concrete 🔹 IS 516 (Part 1):2018 – Test Methods for Concrete 🔹 IS 875 (Parts 1 to 5) – Design Loads for Buildings and Structures 🔹 IS 1893 (Part 1):2016 – Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures 🔹 IS 13920:2016 – Ductile Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures 🔹 IS 3370 (All Parts Revised in 2021) – Concrete Structures for Storage of Liquids 🔹 IS 1200 Series (Latest Editions) – Methods of Measurement of Building Works 🔹 IS 800:2007 – General Construction in Steel 🔹 IS 2386 (All Parts) – Testing of Aggregates 🔹 IS 2720 Series – Soil Testing Methods 🔹 IS 1904:1986 – Foundation Design (to be used along with IS 6403) --- ✅ Why it matters: Using the latest versions ensures accuracy in design, safety in execution, and approval in audits. Don't rely on outdated editions—your projects, clients, and reputation deserve better. 🧠 Tip: BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) updates codes regularly—visit https://lnkd.in/dQNs9MNS to verify current versions. 👷♂️ Let’s raise the standards of construction in India—one code at a time. Tag your team, interns, or juniors and help spread this knowledge! #CivilEngineering #ISCodes #LatestRevisions #ConstructionStandards #StructuralDesign #SiteEngineers #ConcreteDesign #IndianStandards #BIS #EngineeringIndia #CodeCompliance ---

ESRS Revision -66% cutoff ‼️ Datapoint Reduction EFRAG has reviewed all mandatory datapoints from its previous Implementation Guidance 3. All voluntary (“may”) datapoints have been eliminated, with very limited exceptions. Overall estimated datapoint reduction is approximately 66 percent. More than 50 percent of mandatory (“shall”) datapoints have been deleted or converted to guidance. The aim is to simplifying and streamlining the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) in response to a mandate from the European Commission. These revisions aim to reduce the reporting burden on companies while maintaining alignment with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the goals of the European Green Deal. A public consultation is planned from the end of July to the end of September 2025. Final technical advice is due by November 2025. RESUME: 1. Simplification of the Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) • Refocuses on a top-down, business model-based approach. • Clarifies what constitutes material information. • Introduces more flexibility and avoids exhaustive checklists. • Emphasizes fair presentation and decision-useful reporting. 2. Improved readability and integration • Allows executive summaries and appendices. • Encourages structure that reflects the company’s circumstances rather than rigid disclosure sequences. • Reduces duplication and promotes concise, relevant communication. 3. Reduction of disclosure redundancy • Cuts overlap between general disclosure requirements (formerly MDRs in ESRS 2) and topical disclosures. • Removes or consolidates duplicative datapoints. • Clarifies that disclosure on policies, actions, and targets (PATs) is only required if such PATs exist. 4. Enhanced Clarity and Accessibility • Eliminates “may disclose” (voluntary) datapoints except in a few cases. • Clearly separates mandatory and non-mandatory content. • Reorganizes guidance into two categories: mandatory (Application Requirements) and non-mandatory (Non-Mandatory Illustrative Guidance). 5. Additional Burden Reduction Measures • Extends reliefs for cost, effort, data availability, and non-material activities. • Clarifies value chain and GHG emissions boundaries, aligning more closely with international standards. 6. Improved Interoperability • Aligns terminology and provisions with IFRS S1 and S2 standards. • Revises GHG reporting boundaries to match GHG Protocol definitions. • Maintains some departures from IFRS for practical or legal reasons, subject to further consultation. Next Steps EFRAG SR TEG and SRB members will indicate their votes and potential reservations. A final SRB meeting on 25 July 2025 is scheduled to conclude the approval of the Exposure Drafts.