Chapter I for Lap India Case Total

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LITERACY ASSESSMENT PRACTICES (LAP)

IN SELECTED DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

INDIA CASE STUDY

Discussion DocumentPrepared for

ILI/UNESCOLAP 2

nd

Experts’ MeetingUNESCO Paris, 7-8 March, 2002

by

I.V. Subba Rao

A.P. Department of Education, Andhra Pradesh, India

LAP India - 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.The literacy scenario in India :A historical backdrop22.Literacy assessment practices in India :An overview103.Census and National Sample Survey :Traditional enumeration and introduction of new measurement tools124.Coordinated decentralization :A new approach to assessment of literacy attainment175.Policy and Initiatives to assess learner achievement at primaryschool level :The National Education Policy(1986), Minimum Levels of Learning program (1990) and the District Primary Education Program (DPEP)276.Examples of innovative assessment practices in two non-governmental organizations :Indian Institute of Education (IIE) and Digantar 327.Summing up34

LAP India - 2

Chapter IThe literacy scenario in India – A historical backdrop

1.1This case study on literacy assessment practices in India presents a historicaloverview of the growth in literacy and education levels over the last century anddocuments some major trends in current literacy assessment practices. The study tracesthe policy framework, assessment approach, tools, and quality of implementation of literacy assessment in the areas of adult learning as well as elementary schooling under thetwo National programs – the National Literacy Mission (NLM) and the District PrimaryEducation Program (DPEP).It also outlines household-based enumeration and surveys both in the decennial censusand the National Sample Surveys. The literacy test administered as a part of one NationalSample Survey Organization (NSSO) survey in 1991 is examined in detail for the insightsit offers and possibilities it opens up.It also documents two innovative assessment processes adopted in two programsconducted by non-governmental organizations to give a glimpse of the variety of approaches that are currently in place.

1.2

While only a little over 5 percent of the Indian population was literate in 1901 and16 percent in 1950, the latest census conducted in 2001 indicates that the literacy rate is65.4 percent. The decadal growth rate in literacy during the last century showssubstantial progress, especially during the periods 1931-41, 1951-61 and 1991-2001.

Table 1 : Progress in literacy (1901-2001)

Year Age group (in million) (percentage)Population Illiterate Literate Person Male Female Rural Urban

1901All235.10225.5012.605.409.800.601911All248.20233.5014.705.9010.601.001921All246.70229.0017.707.2012.201.801931All273.40247.4026.009.5015.602.901941All312.00261.8050.2016.1025.007.3019515 and above316.10300.1060.1918.3027.208.9012.1034.6019615 and above372.84267.30105.5228.3040.4015.3022.5054.0019715 and above468.60307.10161.4134.5045.9522.0027.9060.6719817 and above581.78340.70241.0343.7056.5029.8036.1067.3019917 and above688.16328.80359.2852.2064.1039.3044.7073.0020017 and above869.15302.44566.7165.4075.8054.20

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