Question : SHORTCOMINGS IN SSA

(a) the details of measures taken for overcoming the shortcomings in the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) programme;

(b) whether the quality of teaching under SSA is sub-standard and the same needs improvement;

(c) if so, the steps taken to improve the standard of teaching;

(d) the details of measures taken to improve the Pupil-Teacher ratio to achieve the objectives of SSA; and

(e) the details of the findings of the independent study commissioned for assessing the present status of school dropouts and the action taken thereon by the Government?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) to (e): National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) conducts National Learners’ Achievement Survey for classes 3, 5 and 8 periodically. Till now two rounds of achievement surveys have been conducted. The surveys reveal modest improvements in the learning level. As per Selected Educational Statistics 2007-08, drop out rate at elementary level has declined from 54.60 (2001-02) to 43.03 (2007-08). Under SSA, several steps have been taken to improve the standard of teaching and reduce dropouts. These include, inter-alia, recruitment of 10.30 lakh additional teachers to improve Pupil-Teacher Ratio, regular In-service Training of Teachers, distribution of Free Textbooks for children in Primary and Upper Primary classes, Learning Enhancement Programmes for Mathematics and Language, School and Teacher grants, Academic support to Primary and Upper Primary schools through Block Resource Centres (BRCs) and Cluster Resource Centres (CRCs) etc. The States have also been advised to initiate the revision of their curriculum framework in accordance with the guiding principles of National Curriculum Framework-2005. In addition, interventions under SSA aim at building community support, flexible schooling for the hardest to reach children, residential hostel buildings in remote tribal areas, special provisions for SC and ST children. The Mid-Day Meal programme also complements the strategy to reduce drop-outs.