Srijan Foundation

Bengal students best at maths: NCERT survey  

Akshaya Mukul | TNN  New Delhi:

     One of the country’s most stringent surveys of learning abilities of class V students by NCERT has found that West Bengal is on top, followed by Karnataka, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Tripura. Uttar Pradesh has also made rapid strides making it to the sixth position. 

         The survey, which was conducted in 6,828 schools, 79% of them in rural areas, across 266 districts of 33 states and which tested 84,322 students in environment science, maths and language, found that there was a small overall increase (60.31% from 58.87%) in language ability and mathematics (46.51% to 48.46%) in the learning abilities in 2007 from the baseline survey carried out in 2001-02. Bihar and Lakshadweep did not participate in the survey.

        While students in many states had increased learning achievement, among the performing states, the story of Tamil Nadu needed to be singled out. Due to poor performance of students in three districts — Karur, Thrivanamalai and Vellore — the state’s mean average came down significantly from the baseline survey of 2001-02.

        The survey gave 40 questions in each subject. In mathematics, the students were asked questions on highest common factor/lowest common factor, average, profit and loss, simple interest, measurement, fraction and decimal, percent and geometry. In language, questions on structure of sentence, spelling, comprehension of informative passage and story were asked. In EVS, 20 questions each were on social science and science. 

        In mathematics, the mean average of West Bengal students was 60% to 70%. In fact, Bengal was the only state in this category. Class V students of Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, TN, Tripura and UPhad a mean average of 50% to 60%. Students of most of the other states had a mean average of 40% to 50%. These included states like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, J&K, Kerala, Punjab and Delhi. In Chhatisgarh, Goa and Andaman, class V students had a mean average of less than 40%.

       However, in EVS, Karnataka was on top with a mean average of 60% to 70%. West Bengal students had a mean average of 50% to 60%. Students of class V seemed to have a flair for language.

      The survey showed that students in 14 states had a mean average of 60% to 70%. Delhi students, lower down in other subjects, were in this category along with West Bengal, Gujarat, UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, Jharkahnd, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Chandigarh. Other states had a mean average of 50% to 60%.

SCORE CARD

        In EVS, Karnataka was on top with a mean average of 60% to 70%. West Bengal students had a mean average of 50% to 60%

        In language, West Bengal, Gujarat, UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, Jharkahnd, HP, Mizoram had a mean average of 60% to 70%

I am very happy to inform everyone that children’s classes wil be conducted in yet another location also.

Classes have commenced from 13 Nov 07. It is about a kilo metre away , almost at the other end of the village.

A teacher Shri Swain, has been appointed.

Hopefully this will serve another 30/40 children.

Have some photos. will put them up as soon I can get them scanned.

Colrama

THE MID-DAY meal scheme, which provides much-needed nutrition to lakhs of children all over the country, faces an acute crisis. 12 crore children in 9.5 lakh schools have mid-day meals.

The Department of Food and Public Distribution, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, has told the HRD ministry that from now on wheat and rice for the scheme will cost almost double. Also, it would not be possible to provide food grains for any future expansion of the scheme, the ministry was told.

Only last Thursday the Cabinet approved the proposal to expand the mid-day meal scheme to the upper primary level in schools.

The HRD ministry will now have to buy grains at what is called the ‘economic rate’ which is about Rs 12,000 per metric tonne, compared to Rs 5,650 per metric tonne.

PS: Children will be penalised for Bad Governance.

Do You know that : In the last three years, Rs 31,585.98 crore worth of wheat and rice meant for the poorest of the poor was siphoned off from the public distribution system. Last year alone, Rs 11,336.98 crore worth of food grain that the government is supposed to distribute to the needy at subsidised prices found its way into the market illegally.

Every month a summary of donations received and expenses in connection with the classes is sent by email to all the donors and the RWA. Am placing the comments that have been placed along with account statement for the month of Aug 07. These would (hopefully) give you an idea of the actual state of affairs on the ground.

• Shortage of space resulted in over crowding.
• To reduce crowding Classes are now being conducted in flat 1263 also
• Have included the names of new children in the attendance roll
• Total number of children has gone up to 65 +.Mr. Nareshwar Prasad has taken up coaching of children in 1263 from 4: PM to 5:30 PM. (Hats off to Mr. Prasad. How he manages 30 odd children all by himself, I do not know, something I would love to emulate)
• Independence day celebrated with painting, songs and dances. Over 60 children attended it. RWA members and well-wishers
• Have included the names of new children in the attendance roll.Program on Road Safety: conducted on 25 Aug by Traffic Police Personnel
• Stationary and nourishment to 7 children in Nehru Place class also.

Colrama

06 Sept 07

PS:Rahul Dewan in his inimitable way has managed to get hold of a teacher to start a class in Nehru Place for under privileged children. I have been going there once a week or so.

A week back the teacher spoke to me and said that the number of children is now nearly 25.

I have told Mishra ji, (the teacher) that I shall be visiting the class next week.

Colrama

06 Sept 07

A Road Safety Program for under privilaged children was organised in Sector A Pkt C, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi on 25 Aug 07.

CAPRG and Srijan Foundation had arranged the program with the co operation of the Road Safety Cell of Delhi Traffic Police.

RWA of Sector A Pkt C had provided the Community Center and the grounds.

Children were shown documentries and various aspects of road saftey were explained by a team from Delhi Trafic Police who had brought their Mobile Exhibition Van.

Inspector Radhey Shyam who took the the class was a great hit with the children.

Over 60 children from the villages of Kishan Garh and Mehrauli were present.

Srijan Foundation has borne all the expenses connected with the program.

Colrama

02 Sept 07

After much delay from my end, and several reminder SMSs and calls from Col Rama, I’m finally uploading some pictures from the Independence Day celebrations at the Community Hall in Sector A, Vasant Kunj.

Independence Day 15 Aug 2007 

Independence Day was celebrated in the community center hall of Sector A Pkt C.

There were over 60 children, who painted, presented items, sang patriotic songs, danced and played. All in all the children had a grand time.

The president Mr. M Gupta and all members of the RWA turned up to witness the program. Mr. Chopra, a prominent resident of Pkt C was specially invited by RWA for the function.Mr. Subhash Dewan, Mrs. Dr Usha Mukerjee, Srivastavs and Mr. Sundaram were present and encouraged the children.Mr. Prasad the senior member and Mrs. Sudha Madaan Organised and conducted the entire function. Mrs. Sudha Anil Kumar assisted Mrs. Madaan in the conduct of the function.

Mr. Puran Chand was present throughout and is planning something similar in the Sri Jagannath Pathashala in Nadakhanda in Orissa.

Last but not the least Rahul Dewan, ‘Rahul Bhaiya’ as the children love to call him was his inimitable self. He has taken video photos of the function.The best part, the most encouraging part of the entire function was that the children had actively planned the program, listed out the invitees, and decorated the venue. Even more, the children have decided that the next program will be organised, choreographed and conducted by them.

The best part, the most encouraging part of the entire function was that the children had actively planned the program, listed out the invitees, and decorated the venue. Even more, the children have decided that the next program will be organised, choreographed and conducted by them. 

Colrama

Photos will follow

We have requested the RWA to reserve the Community Center for a program for and by the children .
They have agreed to do so.

There are now nearly 50 children. They are very enthusiastic.
Some of them are busy decorating the hall just now.
Tentative Program

10AM to 11:30 Painting
11:30 to 1200 Noon songs and entertainment
1200 to 12:20 Discussion on Importance of Independance day
12:20 National Anthem

Shall put up photographs next week.

colrama

Some pics are available in Feb 07

03 Aug 07

I am glad to say that the Pathasala in Nadakanda in Orissa is getting to be more formalised.

They have printed their own letter head, and have started sending reports, bills and photographs on a regular basis.

As per the latest report the number of students are as under: Please note there are more girls than boys !

Class M F Total

Class I 4 5 9
Class II 8 3 11
Class III 3 8 11
Class IV 4 2 6
Class V 2 4 6
Class VI 1 5 6
Class VII 4 2 6

Total 26 29 55

03 Aug 07

We are shifting the classes which were being held at Bakshi House to Gedore Bldg in the same area. Classes will be held on the roof.Will shift to the corridor on the stais if it rains.

Yogesh Shukla will teach. Timing from 8PM to 9PM.

Met Biharilal, lift operator whose three children will also be students.

Hope there will be more students than at Bakhshi House.

colrama