School performances drop below 2017 levels barring Punjab, Rajasthan: Survey
The academic performance of schools across the country has slipped below the levels recorded in 2017, except in Punjab and Rajasthan, the National Achievement Survey (NAS), 2021 found. The survey also flagged a widening of learning gaps caused by disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the survey was based on tests conducted at 1.18 lakh schools in 720 districts across the country.
Why does this story matter?
The findings are significant as they emerge from the first such survey after COVID-19 disrupted the academic activities of schools. The survey was conducted by the Ministry of Education among 34 lakh students in classes 3, 5, 8, and 10 in November last year. Students were tested in various subjects to assess their learning achievement and the impact of the pandemic on academics.
Punjab, Rajasthan outshine other states, UTs
In the NAS survey, schools of Punjab and Rajasthan performed better than other states and union territories by scoring more than the national average of 2017 and 2021 in classes 3, 5, and 8. For classes 3 and 5, mathematical and language skills and conceptual understanding of environmental science were tested. For class 8, understanding of language, maths, science, and social science was analyzed.
Other states that performed well
Besides Punjab and Rajasthan, Kerala emerged as the best performer at the class 3 level, with scores above the national average in all three subjects. At the class 5 level, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal performed better. But their scores were still below the 2017 national average. At the class 8 level, Chandigarh and Haryana performed above the 2017 national average.
States that performed badly
At the class 3 level, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh occupied the last three slots. Telangana, Meghalaya, and Chhattisgarh performed poorly in the class 5 category. At the class 8 level, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh were the worst performers.
What was the methodology of assessment?
The learning level of students was assessed based on various indicators varying across grades. For class 3, students were asked to read small texts with comprehension and solve simple daily life numerical problems using addition and subtraction of three-digit numbers. For Class 8, students' ability to calculate values of squares, cubes, square roots, and cube roots and knowledge of fundamental rights were tested.
