The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a 'Catch-up Teaching Programme' to address learning gaps in state-run schools and promote a collaborative, student-friendly approach. The initiative aims to ensure every child receives education according to their learning level and achieves expected competencies.
Programme Overview
Under the programme, a 15-day review and reinforcement teaching drive focusing on foundational linguistic and mathematical competencies will be conducted for all students in July. Issuing directives to basic education officers, Additional Chief Secretary of Basic and Secondary Education, Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, stated that from August until January 2027, schools will implement daily 20-30-minute catch-up teaching sessions. These sessions will be based on weekly formative assessments, helping teachers identify students who require additional academic support.
Addressing Learning Gaps
Sharma said recent assessments revealed that despite regular classroom teaching, a section of students continues to lag, leading to widening learning gaps. Departmental officials warned that if timely academic support is not provided, these gaps may impact students' confidence and overall academic performance. “To address this challenge, schools have been instructed to adopt systematic, need-based and outcome-oriented strategies,” Sharma stated in his order.
Teaching Strategies
The guidelines emphasize connecting new concepts with students' prior knowledge and real-life experiences to make learning more meaningful. Teachers are encouraged to use teaching-learning materials, including big books, story charts, mathematics kits, and locally developed resources, to enhance classroom engagement. A gradual approach from simple to complex concepts has been recommended to ensure better comprehension.
Special focus has been placed on error analysis and constructive feedback, urging teachers to treat mistakes as learning opportunities rather than grounds for punishment. Sharma asked officials to adopt the “I do – We do – You do” approach to gradually build students' confidence and independence in learning.
Interactive Methods
Further, Sharma asked officials to promote interactive teaching methods such as peer learning, pair work, and cooperative learning to increase student participation. Activity-based and play-based strategies, including language games, storytelling, quizzes, and mathematics activities, will form a key component of the sessions. Schools have also been instructed to maintain an inclusive environment where no child feels labeled as weak or left behind.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Sharma stated that monitoring and evaluation will play a crucial role in the programme's success. Baseline assessments at the beginning of the session and endline assessments after the intervention will be conducted to track progress. Teachers will maintain regular records of each student's performance, while headteachers and academic resource personnel will carry out continuous supervision.
Parental Involvement
Additionally, parent-teacher meetings will be utilized to involve families in the learning process. Parents will be encouraged to support children's studies at home and ensure regular school attendance.
