Syllabus:

GS1: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context: 

Recently, the Centre’s latest school education assessment has been released, the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 which has offered valuable insights into learning outcomes across the country.

More on the News

• The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan, which was called the National Achievement Survey (NAS) in previous iterations, assessed 21.15 lakh students in Classes 3, 6, and 9 across 74,229 schools in December 2024, reflecting the key stages of the foundational, preparatory and middle levels outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

• The 2017 NAS included Classes 3, 5, and 8, while 2021 covered Classes 3, 5, 8 and 10. 

• Since, the assessment aligns with NEP 2020 stages, only Grade 3 results can be directly compared across all three cycles—NAS 2017, 2021 and PRS 2024. 
• Comparison of Grade 6 and 9 scores with Grade 5 and 8 scores from previous rounds of NAS is likely to result in spurious conclusions due to change in the structure of the large-scale assessment.

• Only Class 3 results are directly comparable across the rounds, as it is the sole grade common to the 2017, 2021, and 2024 assessments. 

PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024

• It is conducted by NCERT’s National Assessment Centre—PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), the survey marks India’s largest-ever student assessment at the system level.

• In PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, students from Grade 3, Grade 6, and Grade 9 will be evaluated across different subjects and competency areas:

• At Grade 3, learners will be evaluated in foundational stage competencies, and the assessment time will be 90 minutes.
• At Grade 6, learners will be evaluated in Language, Mathematics, The World Around Us (TWAU) and the assessment time will be 90 minutes.
• At Grade 9, learners will be evaluated in Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science and the Assessment time for them will be 120 minutes.

Significance 

• Competency-Based–Based Assessment: By assessing not just individual students but entire schools, we gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of our educational systems in regard to stage-specific competencies. This allows for targeted improvements that benefit all students.

• Data-Driven Policy Making: The insights derived from this comprehensive survey will be invaluable in shaping educational policies and reforms, ensuring they are grounded in real-world data.

• Alignment with NEP 2020: This initiative embodies the principles of the National Education Policy, fostering an inclusive, equitable, and holistic approach to education in India.

• Empowerment of Educators: With data-driven insights, teachers and administrators will be better equipped to enhance their pedagogical practices and address the diverse needs of their students.

Key Findings

• The findings show a promising picture, especially at the foundational level. 

• In language, girls scored slightly higher than boys, with an average score of 65%, compared to 63% for boys. In Mathematics, both genders scored 60% on average.

• Interestingly, rural students performed marginally better than urban peers, and State Government schools topped performance in Grade 3—showcasing the early success of the NIPUN Bharat Mission.

• However, Class 3 is still not caught up with the performance recorded in 2017.
• They were assessed in language and Mathematics and fared better compared to 2021.
• Recorded an average national score of 64% in language in 2024, a two-percentage-point increase from 62% in 2021, but lower than the 2017 score of 66.7%. 
• Scored lowest (60%) in reading comprehension and highest (67%) in using language for daily interactions.

• As students progress through the preparatory and middle stages, Central Government schools emerged as high performers. However, urban-rural and gender gaps continue to highlight the need for targeted interventions.

• For Classes 6 and 9, average scores were below 50% in all subjects except language. 

• The survey also points to urgent improvements needed in Mathematics and Science at higher grades, while advocating for more inclusive and gender-sensitive teaching approaches.

• Feedback from over 2.7 lakh teachers and school leaders has shed light on broader educational conditions, including the use of digital tools and student mental well-being.

• However, concerns were raised about emotional stress among adolescents and the limited accessibility for Children with Special Needs (CWSN), which call for immediate systemic response.

Source: Indian Express

https://indianexpress.com/article/education/class-3-learning-still-lower-than-pre-covid-level-govt-survey-10112544/