Question : Foundational Learning Study

(a) whether a “Foundational Learning Study” has been conducted by the Government to get a first-hand understanding of the learning levels of the students at the foundational learning stage;

(b) if so, whether this study is going to be the first of its kind in the world and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of Indian languages in which it aims to set up benchmarks for reading with comprehension; and

(d) whether Gujarati language has also been selected for this study and if so, the details, thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

(SMT. ANNPURNA DEVI)

(a) to (d): Yes, Foundational Learning Study (FLS) is the first of its kind large scale assessment & benchmarking study for oral reading fluency with comprehension in Indian languages.
The main objectives of the Study are as follows:
? Collect data on the oral reading skills and numeracy at Grade 3, in different Indian languages at National and State/UT level.

? Establish National benchmarks for reading, especially the Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) with comprehension and numeracy.
? Provide inputs for reporting on relevant SDG indicators.
The study aims to provide reliable, valid and comparable data that can be used to monitor the performance of the system in giving children a robust foundational education. The study is conceptualised and planned to establish reading proficiency benchmarks for fluency and comprehension for each of the languages being assessed under the study, along with providing proficiency levels in FLN among class 3 children.
FLS was conducted in 20 languages including Gujarati, which are being used as a medium of instruction in various state/UTs i.e. Assamese, Bengali, English, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Mizo, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Garo, Khasi, Konkani and Nepali.
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