Editorial 1: NEP 2020 in the classroom, from policy to practice

Context

Observations from 24 classrooms across eight states in India indicate some level of change.

Introduction

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the importance of every child learning basic reading, writing, and math skills (Foundational Literacy and Numeracy – FLN) as a top priority. Since the policy was introduced, both the central and state governments have worked hard on programs to ensure that all children develop these skills by the end of Class 2, which is now considered the ‘foundational stage’ for children aged 3 to 8.

• The recently released Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 highlights how education policies are reaching individual schools.
• Over 80% of the 15,728 rural schools surveyed reported receiving government directives to implement Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) activities for Classes 1 to 3.
• More than 75% of these schools had at least one teacher who received in-person training on FLN.

There is an awareness

Key Findings from Classroom Observations (Class 2) in Eight States

Support for teachers

• Variation Across States: The level and type of support available to teachers after training differ significantly.
• Lack of Support: Some teachers reported having no access to any post-training assistance.
• Consultation Availability: In some states, trainers were available for teachers to consult when needed.
• Monitoring Focus:
  • In certain states, officials conducted regular monitoring visits.
  • However, these visits primarily focused on data collection compliance rather than improving teaching-learning practices.
• Hands-On Demonstrations:
  • Only a few teachers received classroom demonstrations from block- or district-level officials on how to implement FLN activities.

Types of Post-Training Support Across States

Challenges in Using Teaching-Learning Materials (TLM)

• Limited Student Engagement:
  • Teachers understood the importance of TLM, but it was mostly used in demonstration mode by the teacher, rather than being actively handled by students.
• Practical Barriers to Effective TLM Use:

• Key Takeaway: For effective FLN implementation, teachers need ongoing post-training support, hands-on practice opportunities, and clear guidance on adapting materials to classroom needs.

Issue of syllabus completion

• Syllabus-Driven Teaching:
  • Teaching decisions are still primarily based on syllabus completion, rather than adapting to students' learning needs.
• Assessment Practices:
  • Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) is mostly curriculum-focused and conducted through traditional pen-and-paper tests.
  • Many teachers reported conducting monthly FLN-specific assessments, but few used the results to adjust their classroom practices.
• Unresolved Challenge:
  • There is a fundamental conflict between ensuring universal FLN and completing the syllabus, which remains unaddressed at a system-wide level.

Assessment Methods Across States

Progress Since the Launch of NIPUN Bharat

• Positive Changes Noted:
  • The National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN) Bharathas provided clear guidelines on FLN implementation.
  • Increased visibility of FLN in schools and among teachers marks significant progress.
• Impact on Learning Levels:
  • For the first time in 20 years, the ASER survey has recorded improvements in foundational learning levels nationwide.
  • This progress has been largely driven by government schools.
• Key Takeaway: To sustain these gains, the FLN focus must continue, with a shift towards using assessment insights to improve teaching practices while balancing syllabus completion requirements.

Conclusion

The NEP 2020 has successfully increased awareness and implementation of FLN in classrooms, as seen in improved foundational learning levels. However, challenges like syllabus-driven teaching, inadequate post-training support, and ineffective TLM usage persist. Sustained focus on teacher training, flexible assessments, and practical implementation strategies is essential for long-term success.