Learning Outcome-Based Assessment in Government & Government-Aided Schools in India

An Analysis Based on UDISEPlus 2021-22 Data

Introduction

Learning outcome-based assessment is a crucial measure of the effectiveness and quality of education. It evaluates students’ knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired during their educational journey. By assessing learning outcomes, educators and policymakers gain insights into the strengths and areas for improvement in educational systems.

In India, learning outcome-based assessment is an educational approach that emphasizes evaluating students’ knowledge and skills based on specific learning outcomes or goals. It aims to assess students’ understanding of key concepts, application of knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills. There has been a shift recently towards adopting learning outcome-based assessment practices to ensure quality education in government and government-aided schools in India. The focus is moving away from rote memorization and encouraging a deeper understanding of subjects which is a welcome step in view of unstaisfactory quality of school education in India.

Here are a few key points related to learning outcome-based assessment in Government & Government-Aided schools in India:

1. National Curriculum Framework (NCF): The National Curriculum Framework developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) provides guidelines for designing curricula and assessments emphasizing learning outcomes.
2. Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes are statements that describe what students are expected to learn and achieve at different stages of their education. These outcomes cover various subjects and domains, including language, mathematics, science, social sciences, and vocational skills.
3. Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE): The CCE scheme introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) aims to assess students’ progress throughout the academic year. It involves regular formative assessments, such as class tests, projects, assignments, quizzes, and periodic summative assessments.
4. Rubrics and Grading: Rubrics are used to assess and grade students’ performance based on learning outcomes. Rubrics provide clear criteria for evaluating students’ work and help provide targeted feedback for improvement.
5. Remedial Measures: Learning outcome-based assessment also facilitates identifying students who require additional support. Remedial measures, such as extra classes or personalized attention, are provided to help struggling students meet the desired learning outcomes.
6. Monitoring & Review: Regular monitoring and review processes are in place to ensure the effectiveness of learning outcome-based assessment; this includes teacher training, periodic assessments of student performance, and feedback mechanisms.

It is worth noting that the implementation and practices of learning outcome-based assessment can vary across different states, school boards, and individual institutions. The focus is on providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for higher education, employment, and holistic development.

The Present Article

This article examines the data the Ministry of Education, Government of India, provided on the number of government and government-aided schools implementing learning outcome-based assessment items at different education levels in India and various states/UTs. In particular, UDISEPlus 2021-22 data at the all India and state level is analyzed, which, if correctly utilized, can have far-reaching implications for India to move towards quality of school education for all.

All-India Level Analysis

The data reveals that 293,590 government and government-aided upper primary schools were assessed for learning outcomes in India. These schools encompassed different education levels, including upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary. Among these schools, 35.2 percent of upper primary schools, 42.7 percent of secondary schools, and 31.9 percent of higher secondary schools had implemented learning outcome-based assessment items; this indicates that many schools have adopted this assessment approach, albeit with some variations across education levels.

State-Level Analysis

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 61.4 percent of upper primary schools, 60.9 percent of secondary schools, and 50.0 percent of higher secondary schools implemented learning outcome-based assessment items; this suggests a relatively higher adoption rate in assessing learning outcomes in this region.

Andhra Pradesh: Around 57.9 percent of upper primary schools, 73.7 percent of secondary schools, and 41.4 percent of higher secondary schools in Andhra Pradesh implemented learning outcome-based assessment items. These numbers indicate a substantial implementation of this assessment approach, particularly at the secondary education level.

Arunachal Pradesh: In Arunachal Pradesh, the implementation rates were comparatively lower, with 12.3 percent of upper primary schools, 31.0 percent of secondary schools, and 29.9 percent of higher secondary schools incorporating learning outcome-based assessment items.

Assam: Assam witnessed a mixed adoption of learning outcome-based assessment items, with 32.5 percent of upper primary schools, 38.5 percent of secondary schools, and 30.5 percent of higher secondary schools implementing this approach.

Bihar: Only a small percentage of schools in Bihar (3.7 percent of upper primary, 4.8 percent of secondary, and 2.2 percent of higher secondary schools) have implemented learning outcome-based assessment items.

Chandigarh: Chandigarh displayed a high adoption rate, with 100 percent of upper primary and higher secondary schools and 90.7 percent of secondary schools incorporating learning outcome-based assessment items.

Chhattisgarh: In Chhattisgarh, 47.7 percent of upper primary schools, 43.7 percent of secondary schools, and 36.7 percent of higher secondary schools implemented learning outcome-based assessment items.

Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu: This region showcased a relatively high implementation rate, with 92.6 percent of upper primary schools, 93.6 percent of secondary schools, and 85.7 percent of higher secondary schools incorporating learning outcome-based assessment items.

Delhi: In Delhi, 100 percent of secondary and higher secondary schools and 82.1 percent of upper primary schools implemented learning outcome-based assessment items.

Jharkhand: 12122 schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 16.0 percent of total Upper Primary schools. 1914 Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 17.7 percent of total schools. 1165 Higher Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 36.1 percent of total schools.

Karnataka: 24635 Upper Primary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 37.8 percent of total schools. 8554 Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 48.4 percent of total schools.

Kerala: 3486 Upper Primary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 49.6 percent of total schools. 778 Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 57.8 percent of the total 1962 schools. Higher Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 27.6 percent of total schools.

Ladakh: 382 Upper Primary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 17.0 percent of total schools. 85 Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 49.4 percent of total schools. 44 Higher Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 59.1 percent of total schools.

Lakshadweep: Upper Primary: 9 schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 55.6 percent of total schools Higher Secondary: 13 schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 53.9 percent of total schools.

Madhya Pradesh: 24917 Upper Primary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 21.9 percent of total schools. 4921 Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 34.0 percent of total schools. 4771 Higher Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 32.6 percent of total schools.

Maharashtra: 24885 Upper Primary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 48.5 percent of total schools. 12040 Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 40.3 percent of total schools. 6534 Higher Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 35.0 percent of total schools.

Gujarat: 20680 Upper Primary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 69.3 percent of total schools. 3031 Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 32.4 percent of total schools. 4033 Higher Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 26.0 percent of total schools.

Haryana: 2450 Upper Primary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 44.7 percent of total schools. 1108 Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 53.2 percent of total schools. 2343 Higher Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 46.4 percent of total schools.

Himachal Pradesh: 1952 Upper Primary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 63.6 percent of total schools. 942 Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 65.2 percent of total schools. 1923 Higher Secondary schools with learning outcome-based assessment items, 40.9 percent of total schools.

Concluding Observations

The data highlights the varying levels of implementation of learning outcome-based assessment items in government and government-aided schools across India. While some states/UTs have shown commendable adoption rates, others still have room for improvement. States need to continue working towards implementing learning outcome-based assessment items in a higher percentage of schools to ensure quality education and improve learning outcomes. Policymakers and educators must continue promoting and prioritizing the adoption of learning outcome-based assessment, as it provides valuable insights into the quality of education and enables targeted improvements at different education levels. By implementing this assessment approach widely, India can strive to enhance students’ overall learning outcomes and ensure an inclusive and holistic education system.

Number of Government & Government Aided Schools created learning outcome-based assessment items by education level, 2021-22

India/  State/ UT	Number of Government and Government Aided Schools with level			Number of Schools created learning outcome based assessment items			Percentage of Schools created learning outcome based assessment items
	Upper Primary	Secondary	Higher Secondary	Upper Primary	Secondary	Higher Secondary	Upper Primary	Secondary	Higher Secondary
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)	(6)	(7)	(8)	(9)	(10)
India	293590	83537	77593	103389	35672	24784	35.2	42.7	31.9
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	57	46	56	35	28	28	61.4	60.9	50.0
Andhra Pradesh	4285	6525	1227	2482	4808	508	57.9	73.7	41.4
Arunachal Pradesh	1002	232	134	123	72	40	12.3	31.0	29.9
Assam	8585	4250	1548	2787	1638	472	32.5	38.5	30.5
Bihar	25993	2516	7228	957	120	158	3.7	4.8	2.2
Chandigarh	12	54	56	12	49	33	100	90.7	58.9
Chhattisgarh	13284	1949	3035	6340	851	1115	47.7	43.7	36.7
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu	163	31	35	151	29	30	92.6	93.6	85.7
Delhi	39	122	1177	32	109	1031	82.1	89.3	87.6
Goa	67	400	109	32	234	48	47.8	58.5	44.0
Gujarat	20680	3031	4033	14337	983	1049	69.3	32.4	26.0
Haryana	2450	1108	2343	1094	589	1087	44.7	53.2	46.4
Himachal Pradesh	1952	942	1923	1241	614	787	63.6	65.2	40.9
Jammu and Kashmir	7612	1754	834	2492	715	332	32.7	40.8	39.8
Jharkhand	12122	1914	1165	3227	603	351	26.6	31.5	30.1
Karnataka	24635	8554	2360	12229	4948	651	49.6	57.8	27.6
Kerala	3486	778	1962	2035	569	1305	58.4	73.1	66.5
Ladakh	382	85	44	65	42	26	17.0	49.4	59.1
Lakshadweep	9	0	13	5	0	7	55.6	0.0	53.9
Madhya Pradesh	24917	4921	4771	5465	1672	1556	21.9	34.0	32.6
Maharashtra	24885	12040	6534	12075	4850	2286	48.5	40.3	35.0
Manipur	605	461	97	46	66	37	7.6	14.3	38.1
Meghalaya	3157	699	171	781	241	51	24.7	34.5	29.8
Mizoram	1015	439	62	153	69	9	15.1	15.7	14.5
Nagaland	617	255	56	191	92	21	31.0	36.1	37.5
Odisha	17508	8610	1323	6756	4354	281	38.6	50.6	21.2
Puducherry	48	91	80	44	64	55	91.7	70.3	68.8
Punjab	2541	1800	2488	1977	1302	1408	77.8	72.3	56.6
Rajasthan	19498	3758	11911	10021	1795	5556	51.4	47.8	46.7
Sikkim	173	125	104	52	71	44	30.1	56.8	42.3
Tamil Nadu	8526	3692	4467
Telangana	3379	5913	1351	762	1703	167	22.6	28.8	12.4
Tripura	1126	609	433	343	342	229	30.5	56.2	52.9
Uttar Pradesh	49339	2065	5769	12063	352	710	24.5	17.1	12.3
Uttarakhand	2778	991	1812	1307	564	987	47.1	56.9	54.5
West Bengal.	6663	2777	6882	1677	1134	2329	25.2	40.8	33.8

Source: UDISE+ 2021-22, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education. Government of India

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