Why in news:

• The state government of Punjab has announced the launch of Mission Samarth.

Key Points:

• It is a comprehensive educational initiative aimed at enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy among students in government schools.
• This program is designed for children in classes 3 to 8 and is inspired by Delhi's successful Mission Buniyaad initiative, which has been operational since 2018.

Objectives

The primary goal of Mission Samarth is to address the critical gaps in literacy and numeracy skills among students. This initiative aims to:

• Identify weak students: Teachers will conduct baseline assessments to categorize students into two levels: Level 1 and Level 2, based on their proficiency.
• Provide Targeted Support: Students identified as needing additional support will receive specialized classes and tailored study materials to help them catch up with their peers.
• Focus areas: The program will emphasize core subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Punjabi, ensuring that students develop essential skills in these areas.

Implementation

Baseline Testing

Teachers from both primary and upper-primary sections have been trained to administer baseline tests. This assessment will help in identifying students who require extra assistance. The implementation process includes:

• Initial Testing: Conducting baseline tests to determine students' current competency levels.
• Special Classes: Organizing additional coaching sessions for students categorized as weak.
• Material Preparation: The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has developed special learning materials that will be distributed to schools.

Context and need

• Recent studies, including those conducted by ASER (Annual Status of Education Report) and NAS (National Achievement Survey), indicate that a significant number of children in Punjab struggle with basic reading and arithmetic skills. Mission Samarth aims to create a supportive learning environment that addresses these deficiencies directly.

Looking ahead

• Mission Samarth represents a proactive step by the Punjab government to enhance educational outcomes in government schools.
• By focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy through targeted interventions and support systems, the initiative seeks not only to uplift individual students but also to strengthen the overall educational landscape in the state.
• With its structured approach and emphasis on teacher training and resource allocation, Mission Samarth has the potential to make a significant impact on student learning outcomes across Punjab.