More proof of India’s deep learning crisis

The absence of in-person classes for almost two years due to Covid-19 has left many children in West Bengal with deep learning losses, says Annual Status of Education Report (Aser-Bengal) — released on Wednesday. According to the survey, carried out in December 2021, the percentage of children in Class 2 who can read words dropped from 66.2% in 2018 to 53% in 2021 — even below the 2014 levels of 54.8%. The percentage of children in Class 1 who could recognise single-digit numbers reduced from 77.8% in 2018 to 68.5% in 2021, again lower than the 2014 levels of 74%.

The results are not surprising. Several reports, including Aser’s Karnataka and Chhattisgarh reports, painted a similar picture. A recent five-part series in this newspaper also showed the drastic impact of Covid-19 on schoolchilren across states. There needs to be more nationwide reports to understand the real depth of the crisis and devise state-specific plans. The first step has been made by reopening schools across the country, but more are required to ensure any future infection spikes don’t harm learning levels the same away.

During the Aser-Bengal launch, Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee said teachers should begin from where the students are stuck. There are other ways of bridging the gap: Targeted interventions and bridge courses, tracking down children who dropped out, and strengthening the digital reach. Policymakers need to come up with a robust plan that responds to this crisis. Education must be at the front and centre of a national conversation.