IID-BRAC survey finds very low level of basic competencies at the primary level. For instance, only 24% students of class 3; only 47% students of class 4 and 63% student of class 5 were able to read basic English words during the survey.
In Line with its policy targets for education sector, Bangladesh has recently seen a positive growth in the education sector with indicators like enrolment rate, dropout rate and passing rate of board exams reaching desired levels. However, output indicators of the education system have not been that much impressive referring to the poor quality of education.
In a recent study by IID jointly with BRAC replicating the ASER model reveals the actual level of learning and basic competencies among the children of class 1 and class 5. The study tries to match the overarching quality issues of education mentioned throughout the national policies and targets for education with the existing situation of education.
Particular weakness of students’ competency level in English reading were revealed through the survey. Only 24% students of class 3, 47% students of class 4 and 63% student of class 5 were able to read English words.
Measuring children’s basic competencies in reading (native and English) and arithmetic, the survey showed that 78.5%, 94.9% and 98.4% of class 3, 4 and 5 students respectively can read Bangla words. As for simple arithmetic, 95% students of class 5 demonstrated the ability to subtract 2 digit numbers from 3 digits numbers. The survey results also showed that children’s basic competencies are linked with a range of factors including per capita household income, electricity connection in the household, requirement to help parents in earning livelihood, etc.
For the brief report, click here.
