The campaign was launched to ensure the basic learning of students in reading, writing and basic mathematics in next three months starting from academic year 2018-19.
“The government decided to launch a three-month campaign at the beginning of the academic year 2018-19 itself with the goal that all children in Classes III to IX of the schools run by Delhi government, municipal corporations, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board should be able to read, write and do basic maths operations,” Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia said while launching the campaign.
As part of the campaign, which will run from April to June for Class III to V in MCD schools and Class VI to IX in government schools, the government will work towards ensuring that all children of Classes III to IX are able to read, write and do basic maths in the next three months. Children will also undergo a reading level assessment based on which they will be enrolled in specialised classes.
“During the campaign, every day, two-three hours of focussed activities will be conducted by the school teachers with all those students of Classes III to IX who cannot read their textbooks or solve basic numerical to strengthen their reading, writing and maths skills,” Sisodia said.
The scheme was launched after the National Achievement Survey (NAS) found that nearly 50% of the students between Class III and Class V in municipal corporation schools were unable to prove their learning abilities in various subjects such as Science, Mathematics and Languages.
“The inability of children to read and write fluently is a reflection on the failure of the school system. The focus has been on finishing the syllabus instead of concentrating on whether the student is being able to understand what is being taught,” Sisodia added.
The education minister urged the teachers and officials to reach out to children and their parents to ensure that in next three months all children should be able to read, write and do basic maths fluently so that they are on the right track to attain grade appropriate learning outcomes.