Learning by the Numbers: PARAKH 2024 Sparks Data-Driven Education Overhaul

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India's largest school-level examination, PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, has made it possible for paradigmatic transformation in education reform on the foundation of data-rich, real-time assessment and competency-based learning. 21.15 lakh students of 74,229 schools in all 36 States and UTs were surveyed by the National Assessment Centre of NCERT.

Key takeaways and performance patterns:

Grade 3 improved by a large margin: 65 percent in Mathematics and 57 percent in Language, compared to 42 and 39 percent respectively in 2021.

Girls edged boys by a hair in Language (65 versus 63 percent) and tied in Mathematics.

Country students gained an edge over city students in early abilities, with State Government schools outpacing Grade 3 results.

Central Government schools took over Grades 6 and 9, but Science and Mathematics gaps remain at upper levels.

Systemic observations:

Over 2.7 lakh school heads and teachers gave answers regarding school climate, digital access, and student well-being.

Emotional distress in young people and limited integration of Children with Special Needs emerged as priority issues.

The survey's alignment with NEP 2020 phases ensures targeted interventions and curriculum re-shaping.

Policy implications:

PARAKH 2024 validates the success of such initiatives as NIPUN Bharat and gives credence to India's progress towards SDG 4.1.1 indicators.

The findings will inform textbook composition, resource development, and pedagogy for inclusive and equitable learning.

This historic survey represents a definitive move away from guesswork and toward evidence in determining India's educational destiny.

Sources: ANI, WebIndia123, Hindustan Times, NCERT