The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi conducted the Foundational Learning Study covering all States and UTs from 23rd to 26th March 2022 in sampled schools. This study is very crucial which aims to draw a first-hand understanding of the learning levels of the students at the foundational stage (at the end of grade 3). This study will enable the States to establish benchmarks in oral reading fluency with comprehension in different Indian languages for children at grade 3 level. It will assess the children’s ability to read age appropriate known as well unknown text at a certain pace, accurately and with comprehension and also the foundational numeracy skills. The study was conducted with the state level sampling covering all categories of schools.

Before the actual study was conducted, a Dry-run was tested on 15th March 2022. In Nagaland, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) conducted the Study on 24th and 25th March 2022. Field Investigators were identified to carry out the study and External observers from the Ministry of Education were also present to oversee the smooth conduct of the test as reliable and valid data is needed to be collected which will inform State level plans for improving foundational learning.  Focussing on ‘learning achievement’ in the foundational years which is pertinent in order to provide the learners with capabilities to make their subsequent learning experiences more meaningful and absorbing, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has launched the National Initiative for proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN-BHARAT) mission to provide the roadmap for straightening the domain of foundational learning at the National level.

                                                                                                (DIPR)