The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), in collaboration with the Delhi State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), is set to undertake a major evaluation of basic learning competencies among young students in the national capital. The Foundational Learning Study (FLS) will focus on students studying in Class III during the current academic year.
Schedule and Scope of the Foundational Learning Study
According to an official circular issued by SCERT Delhi, the foundational learning assessment is tentatively scheduled to be held from February to March 2024. The exercise will not be conducted in all schools but will instead take place in a selection of sampled institutions. The list of participating schools will be shared with the authorities in advance to allow for adequate preparation.
Objective and National Context
The primary goal of the Foundational Learning Study is to gauge how effectively children acquire essential reading, writing, and numeracy skills by the conclusion of their foundational stage of education. This initiative is not isolated to Delhi; it forms a crucial part of a larger national exercise being carried out in sampled schools across various states in India. The data gathered will provide a critical snapshot of foundational learning at a national level.
To ensure schools and students are well-prepared, NCERT has already shared sample assessment tasks in both Hindi and English. These materials are designed to familiarise teachers and students with the expected format and process, reducing anxiety and setting clear expectations. School heads and principals have been directed to ensure that Class III teachers help students practise these sample activities, aiming to build confidence ahead of the actual study.
Diagnostic Tool, Not an Examination
In a crucial clarification, NCERT has emphasised that the Foundational Learning Study is not a formal examination or test. It is explicitly a diagnostic survey. This means:
- There will be no grading or certification of individual students.
- The study is not a tool for rating or ranking schools.
- The purpose is purely analytical and supportive.
The findings from this extensive survey will serve a higher purpose. They will be used to inform future policy decisions, help improve classroom teaching practices, and strengthen the overall framework of foundational education as envisioned under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This exercise represents a significant step towards evidence-based educational reform in India's schooling system.
