The National Achievement Survey (NAS) has evolved into PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) in 2024, reflecting a shift in educational assessment under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Scheduled for December 4, 2024, this survey will assess student learning outcomes across various stages of education, marking an important change in methodology and focus.
Purpose of the Survey
PARAKH aims to evaluate the academic achievements of school students in India. This assessment is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of educational policies and practices, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey’s results are intended to guide improvements in teaching and learning methodologies.
Historical Background
The NAS has been a regular feature in Indian education since 2001, conducted every three years. Initially focused on Classes 3, 5, and 8, it expanded to include Class 10 in 2014-15. The 2021 survey revealed drops in student performance compared to previous years, particularly in foundational subjects like mathematics and language, denoting the educational setbacks caused by the pandemic.
Changes in Assessment Structure
Recently, the assessment will involve students from Classes 3, 6, and 9, aligning with the NEP’s educational framework. This change is as it reflects a more structured approach to learning stages – foundational (Classes 1-2), preparatory (Classes 3-5), and middle (Classes 6-8). The focus will be on core subjects such as language, mathematics, and science, ensuring that assessments are relevant to each educational stage.
Methodology of Assessment
The survey will utilise multiple-choice questions to gauge student understanding and competency. It will assess nearly 2.3 million students from over 75,000 schools across 782 districts. The results will be disaggregated by various demographics, including gender and social group, providing a comprehensive view of educational equity and access.
Significance of Results
The data generated from PARAKH will be instrumental in shaping educational policies and interventions. By identifying proficiency levels—below basic, basic, proficient, and advanced—the survey will highlight areas needing attention. This data-driven approach aims to enhance the quality of education and ensure that all students have access to adequate learning resources.
Impact of Previous Surveys
The findings from the 2021 NAS indicated a concerning decline in student performance, with most states reporting scores below the 2017 national average. This decline telld the need for immediate educational reforms and strategic interventions to address learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of the National Achievement Survey in the context of India’s educational reforms.
- Evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on student learning outcomes as reflected in the NAS reports.
- Explain the changes introduced in the 2024 PARAKH assessment compared to previous NAS iterations.
- Analyse how the findings of PARAKH can influence future educational policies in India.
- What role does demographic disaggregation play in understanding educational equity through assessments like PARAKH?
