Abstract:
The most important and far reaching recommendation of the NPE 86 has been regarding the standard of learning to be achieved by children in school. It declares that Minimum of Learning will be laid down for each stage of education and emphasis is now shifted from enrolment to retention and completion of at least five years of education by all. The NPE 1986and its POA gave unqualified priority to universalisation of elementary education and emphasis shifted from enrolment to retention and significant development have been taken place in the area of learner achievement. The NPE 86 spells out Minimum Levels of learning (MLL) it .stated that equal opportunity should be provided not only in access but also in the condition for success. When one talks of UEE , this does not only mean bringing all children into elementary school and retaining them there . It also means being able to ensure that all children who go through primary school attain certain minimum levels of learning. If we look into the existing situation in schools we have to consider some serious questions whether the children are coming to school and staying also if staying are they really learning? These questions should be seriously considered by the teacher. On the basis of national survey data, it was found that, as many as 50 percent of children dropout of school by class V of which almost 55 percent dropout in the first year itself. Also the dropout is higher in case of disadvantaged groups. Even among those who continue in school, a large number go through the primary schools without being able to read and write. This may be due to several reasons such as lack of interest among children and parents because of mismatch between education and demands of the society; inability of the teachers to understand appreciate the characteristics of children in general, inadequate teaching learning strategies such as emphasis of rote learning and restrictiveness; and of course poverty.
