State Launches Special Programme to Enhance Primary Learning Outcomes

The state government has launched a dedicated initiative aimed at improving the foundational learning outcomes of students in grades 2 to 5 across all state board schools. Running from March 5 to June 30, the programme will focus on boosting proficiency in language and mathematics. This decision comes in response to national and state-level surveys such as the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) and the National Achievement Survey (NAS), which have identified substantial gaps in foundational learning, particularly in primary education. As a result, students in these grades may have shorter summer holidays this year.

special programme to improve primary learning

Addressing Learning Gaps with a Focus on Proficiency

This initiative is part of a broader effort under the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN) Bharat mission, which aims to ensure foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) for all students by 2026-27. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also emphasizes the need for children to acquire basic linguistic and mathematical skills in their early years. Acknowledging these challenges, the state government has taken proactive steps to improve learning outcomes through the Nipun Maharashtra Mission.

Key Features of the Programme

According to the government’s recent resolution (GR), the programme will target the academic progress of students in years 2 to 5, with the goal of ensuring that at least 75% of students meet the expected learning competencies. While this initiative will be implemented in all government and aided schools, self-financed and unaided institutions will not be part of the programme. However, students and teachers in grades 6 to 8 may opt to participate voluntarily.

The programme will include in-school interventions, additional learning sessions for students who need further support, and continuous monitoring of student progress via the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) online portal. The assessment process will involve periodic evaluations to gauge students' learning levels, with reports tracked at multiple levels of the education system.

Community Involvement and Teacher Training

One unique aspect of this initiative is the involvement of the local community. Schools will engage parents and local stakeholders through activities like the ‘Chavadi Reading and Numeracy’ programme, which encourages collective responsibility for students' educational progress. This collaborative approach aims to create a strong support network for students both inside and outside the classroom.

The success of this programme also hinges on the expertise and dedication of teachers. They will receive specialized training and resources from the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to improve their teaching effectiveness. Teachers will have the flexibility to use a range of instructional methods and learning aids such as workbooks, word cards, and digital tools tailored to individual student needs.

Recognizing Success and Impact

Schools that successfully achieve the learning targets outlined in the programme will be recognized with certificates of appreciation. This will serve as both a motivator for teachers and a testament to the collective efforts to bridge the educational gaps among primary school students.