The National Achievement Survey (NAS) was conducted for Classes 3, 5 and 8 in government and government-aided schools of Maharashtra. The survey tools used multiple test booklets with 45 questions in Classes III and V and 60 questions in Class VIII in Mathematics, Language, Sciences and Social Sciences. The competency-based test questions developed, reflected the Learning Outcomes developed by the NCERT which were recently incorporated in the RTE Act by the Government of India. Along with the test items, questionnaires pertaining to students, teachers and schools were also used. The findings of the survey will help guide education policy, planning and implementation at state, district and classroom levels for improving the learning levels of children and bringing about qualitative improvements.
Approximately Teachers (15000), students (150,000) and schools (6000) from 36 districts of Maharashtra took part in the survey.
For Class 3rd the average achievement of students in EVS (69%), Mathematics (65%) and Languages (70%) was slightly above the national average.
For Class 5 the average achievement of students in EVS (56%), Mathematics (52%) and Languages (61%) was slightly below the national average.
For Class 8 the average achievement of students in Science (40%), Mathematics (40%), social sciences (42) and Languages (63%) was below the national average except for languages.
18% of students in Class 3, Class 5 and 16% of students in Class 8 find it difficult to travel to school.
95% of children across the grades like to come to school.
90% of children in Class 3 and 91% in Class 5 and Class 8 could understand what the teachers say in the classroom.
For 76% of students in Class 3, 71% in Class 5 and 68% of students in Class 8, the language used at home and by the teachers is the same.
67% of teachers in the state fully understand the curricular goals
85% in Class 8 are teaching the same subjects they have pursued during their higher studies.
7% of teachers responded that there is a lack of adequate toilet facilities.
5% of teachers responded that there is a lack of drinking water facilities
12% of teachers responded that the school buildings need significant repair.
7% of teachers responded that there is a lack of electricity.
34 % of Teachers in the state opined that they are overloaded with work.
59% of Teachers in the state are highly satisfied with their job.
97% of Teachers in the state have adequate instructional material and supplies.
94% of Teachers in the state have an adequate workspace.
Most of the teachers in the state assess the students through Oral tests, Home Assignment, Written tests, Multiple type questions, Observation, Home assignments, Student Self-Assessment, Project Work, Peer Assessment and Portfolio
Almost 78% of the schools were affected by inadequately qualified teaching staff
The highest performing district was Sindhudurg and the lowest was Mumbai (suburban)4
