Average performance of class II-VIII below 60% in Himachal Pradesh

The average performance of students of class II to class VIII was below 60 per cent, according to a government survey.

The students on an average scored between 48.5 to 59.5 per cent in Hindi and 38.1 to 59.7 per cent in Maths, the findings of the survey revealed, which were discussed at a meeting of the Core Advisory Group of SSA (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) held on 9th Oct 2013.

The base line assessment of students of class II to VIII was done by the state from May 27 - 29 and tests were conducted by the State Project Office, SSA on 5,08,944 students across the state in four subjects -- Hindi, English, EVS and Maths.

The evaluation was done in schools and the results were compiled and analysed at cluster, block, district and state level.

The improvement in learning levels would be measured against this base line through an end line to be conducted in December this year and March, 2014, which will act as baseline for next session, he said.

The spokesperson said the training, as well as the remedial teaching, would be based on the base line which will also act as a diagnostic exercise to determine the learning gaps. This is expected to address the quality issues which is a matter of concern for the state, he said.

A third party evaluation was also done by Education Initiative (EI) and Learning Link Foundation (LLF) which conducted the baseline assessment in Hindi and Maths for classes III, V and VII on June 14.

The test was conducted to measure absolute level and relative improvements in student learning levels so that actionable and pragmatic feedback to improve the impact of the programme may be provided.

The focus was also on assessing learning with understanding as opposed to rote learning. The test was administered by the state government and LLF and was conducted on 28,898 students from 1,784 schools across the state.

The analysis of the test also diagnosed the areas of improvement and Hamirpur emerged as the top performing district.

PTI