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a second note from Rishikesh<br>
<div class="moz-forward-container"><br>
-------- Forwarded Message --------
<table class="moz-email-headers-table" cellspacing="0"
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<tr>
<th valign="BASELINE" nowrap="nowrap" align="RIGHT">Subject:
</th>
<td>RE: [Research] Meeting with Jharkhand Education
Secretary</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="BASELINE" nowrap="nowrap" align="RIGHT">Date: </th>
<td>Tue, 24 Aug 2021 09:56:15 +0530</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="BASELINE" nowrap="nowrap" align="RIGHT">From: </th>
<td>Rishikesh <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:rishikesh@apu.edu.in"><rishikesh@apu.edu.in></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="BASELINE" nowrap="nowrap" align="RIGHT">To: </th>
<td>'Jean Dreze' <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:jaandaraz@riseup.net"><jaandaraz@riseup.net></a>, 'Guru'
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:Guru@ITforChange.net"><Guru@ITforChange.net></a>, 'Jyotsna Jha'
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:jyotsna@cbps.in"><jyotsna@cbps.in></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="BASELINE" nowrap="nowrap" align="RIGHT">CC: </th>
<td>'Mythili Ram' <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:mythiliramchand@gmail.com"><mythiliramchand@gmail.com></a>,
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:research@educationemergency.net">research@educationemergency.net</a>, 'venita kaul'
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:vkaul54@gmail.com"><vkaul54@gmail.com></a>, 'Sriranjani Ranganathan'
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:sriranjani.ranganathan@gmail.com"><sriranjani.ranganathan@gmail.com></a>, 'Manisha Priyam'
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:priyam.manisha@gmail.com"><priyam.manisha@gmail.com></a>, 'Niranjanaradhya.V.P
Aradhya' <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:aradhyaniranjan@hotmail.com"><aradhyaniranjan@hotmail.com></a></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Good to note that at least the meeting took
place and was not as bad as you expected it to be. Thanks for
the update Jean – looks like ‘we are still going to be in the
tunnel for some more time’ if we don’t do more. I think it
will be a good idea to meet the CM as well. I think, both the
bureaucrats and the pol. reps, have to be influenced to ensure
that they act.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I know all of you at Jharkhand will be
pushing hard on this issue with further data that you are
collecting. Best wishes & let us know if we can help in
any way.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Meanwhile, please find attached a
document that illustrates how </b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.05pt">Grade</span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.65pt"> </span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.05pt">4 Hindi syllabus,</span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.65pt"> </span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.05pt">based</span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.65pt"> </span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.05pt">on</span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.6pt"> </span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.05pt">the</span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.65pt"> </span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.05pt">Rimjhim</span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.65pt"> </span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.05pt">textbook</span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.65pt"> </span></b><b><span
style="letter-spacing:-.05pt">(NCERT), and Grade 6 Science
syllabus could be re-cast by prioritizing LOs.</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Warm regards,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">rishi<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1
1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> Research
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:research-bounces@educationemergency.net"><research-bounces@educationemergency.net></a> <b>On
Behalf Of </b>Jean Dreze<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, August 24, 2021 7:06 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Guru <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:Guru@ITforChange.net"><Guru@ITforChange.net></a>; Jyotsna Jha
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:jyotsna@cbps.in"><jyotsna@cbps.in></a><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Mythili Ram <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:mythiliramchand@gmail.com"><mythiliramchand@gmail.com></a>;
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:research@educationemergency.net">research@educationemergency.net</a>; venita kaul
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:vkaul54@gmail.com"><vkaul54@gmail.com></a>; Sriranjani Ranganathan
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:sriranjani.ranganathan@gmail.com"><sriranjani.ranganathan@gmail.com></a>; Manisha Priyam
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:priyam.manisha@gmail.com"><priyam.manisha@gmail.com></a>; Niranjanaradhya.V.P
Aradhya <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:aradhyaniranjan@hotmail.com"><aradhyaniranjan@hotmail.com></a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Research] Meeting with Jharkhand
Education Secretary<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p>The meeting was so-so - not great overall, but not as bad as
I expected.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>On the positive side, the secretary was cordial, sympathetic,
gave us a lot of time, and was aware of the gravity of the
situation. I think that his heart at least is on our side. But
it sounds like there is a lot of opposition to reopening of
schools from various quarters, including certainly the health
department, and other quarters also that he did not specify.
So no specific plan as of now though he said that "there may
be some good news by the end of the week" as we departed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Also, it doesn't sound like any serious preparations are
being made for reopening - not even repairing the school
buildings. About the "learning transition", the only measure
they seem to have in mind right now is to tell teachers to
spend half of their time on "remedial learning".<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Their main concern right now seems to be the forthcoming
"National Achievement Survey". That's based on grade-specific
learning, so that's what they are focusing on right now. They
don't want Jharkhand to end up at the bottom...<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>I think the bottom line is that everyone is "playing safe"
and no-one wants to take the risk of being blamed in the event
where some children die (or infection spreads) after schools
reopen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>That's the long a short. We might seek an appointment with
the Chief Minister. (Meanwhile I sent Rishikesh's note to the
secretary, in a follow-up mail.)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Jean<o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">On 23-08-2021 10:10, Guru wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<p class="MsoNormal">Dear Jean,<br>
<br>
As Jyotsna says the letter is brief yet communicates the
most important points. Perhaps in the conversation you may
be able to bring in the larger consequences of school
closure (child labour, malnutrition, early marriages, likely
high school drop out across next decade and iniquitous
nature of all these) and possible support in terms of
models/resources from the national coalition on the
education emergency.<br>
<br>
All the best. Along with the letter you could also release
the 'press release' post your meeting. <br>
<br>
regards,<br>
Guru<br>
<br>
<br>
On 23/08/21 9:58 am, Jyotsna Jha wrote:<br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jean, <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">The letter looks good -
communicates the most important. Wish you all the best
- let us hope it creates an impact. I think it will be
good to release it elsewhere through media as well
once you have had your meeting. <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Regards,<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jyotsna<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Mon, Aug 23, 2021 at 8:08 AM
Jean Dreze <<a href="mailto:jaandaraz@riseup.net"
moz-do-not-send="true">jaandaraz@riseup.net</a>>
wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
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<p>That will be really useful. Here is the letter I
have drafted for the Education Secretary (not for
circulation please, we will release the final
version to the media tomorrow). If need be, we will
send a similar letter to the CM and request an
appointment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Jean<o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">On 22-08-2021 21:31, Mythili
Ram wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote
style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have received about a
dozen cases of what's being tried in different
sites, largely in South India for now. We will
compile them by Thursday and share. <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mythili<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Sun, Aug 22, 2021, 5:29
PM Jean Dreze <<a
href="mailto:jaandaraz@riseup.net"
target="_blank" moz-do-not-send="true">jaandaraz@riseup.net</a>>
wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
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<div>
<p>Thanks Guru. Would be good to hear more
about points 1 and 2 from Mythili, Ranjani
and Manisha. I will count myself lucky if we
are able to persuade the Secy that schools
need to reopen soon and that the Govt of
Jharkhand may benefit from these inputs for
the purpose of preparing a transition plan.
Hopefully they are on the job, but I will be
surprised if they have electrifying
proposals.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Jean<o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">On 22-08-2021 13:14,
Guru wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote
style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<p class="MsoNormal">Dear Jean,<br>
<br>
I have compiled inputs from Rishikesh,
Jyotnsa and Sajitha in mail thread + Note
on the Education Emergency in <a
href="https://educationemergency.net/2021/08/resume-and-renew-education-for-26-crore-children-hi/"
target="_blank" moz-do-not-send="true">Hindi</a>
+ Press release advocating immediate
opening of pre-primary and primary schools
from the National Coalition, in the
attached PDF, to make it easier to
print/share. <br>
<br>
It may be useful to present the note as
from the 'National Coalition on the
Education Emergency' whose members are
working to provide education support to
schools, communities as well as larger
mobilization of parents, teachers,
stakeholders. <b>So that it is seen as a
potential continuous support/engagement
than a one-off interaction. </b>The
note in the beginning summarises this
potential support (also provided below)<o:p></o:p></p>
<ol type="1" start="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:5.65pt;line-height:105%;mso-list:l1
level1 lfo3">The Working Group on ‘<span
style="color:black;background:#FFF200">Education
Support to Schools and Communities</span>’
is in the process of documenting models
of meaningful learning (of different
groups/organizations) and compiling
these. Based on this, the group is
preparing ‘Guidelines for school
opening’. <span
style="color:black;background:#FFF200">We
will provide the documents from this
process to the Jharkhand education
department. Contact Mythili Ramchand,
Ranjani Ranganathan)</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:5.65pt;line-height:105%;mso-list:l1
level1 lfo3">The Working Group on ‘<span
style="color:black;background:#FFF200">Education
Support to Schools and Communities</span>’
is in the process of organizing a
meeting of <span style="color:black">parents
groups, teacher groups, NGOs, CBOs
working in <b>Jharkhand</b>. <span
style="background:#FFF200">The
Education department should have a
representative attend this virtual
meeting to get a direct hearing of
views of different stakeholders from
Jharkhand. (Contact person - Manisha
Priyam</span>)</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:5.65pt;line-height:105%;mso-list:l1
level1 lfo3"><span style="color:black">The
Working Group on ‘</span>Research’ is
compiling research studies conducted
relating to Covid and education, and
will release the highlights soon. <span
style="color:black;background:#FFF200">The
suggestions made in this note, do
align with the findings of almost all
the research studies.</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:5.65pt;line-height:105%;mso-list:l1
level1 lfo3">The press release in the
note argues for the immediate opening of
pre-primary and primary schools,
(contrary to the political preference to
open class X-XII) as the maximum harm
from school closure affects this group.
The note in <a
href="https://educationemergency.net/2021/08/resume-and-renew-education-for-26-crore-children-hi/"
target="_blank" moz-do-not-send="true">Hindi</a>
discusses the need to 'resume' and
'renew' school education.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am copying Manisha,
Mythili, Ranjani and Venita for their
inputs/suggestions. <br>
<br>
regards,<br>
Guru<br>
Gurumurthy Kasinathan,<a
href="https://educationemergency.net/2021/08/resume-and-renew-education-for-26-crore-children-hi/"
target="_blank" moz-do-not-send="true">
<span style="font-family:"Nirmala
UI",sans-serif">शिक्षा</span> <span
style="font-family:"Nirmala
UI",sans-serif">आपातकाल</span> <span
style="font-family:"Nirmala
UI",sans-serif">पर</span> <span
style="font-family:"Nirmala
UI",sans-serif">राष्ट्रीय</span>
<span style="font-family:"Nirmala
UI",sans-serif">सहभागिता</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br>
On 22/08/21 10:26 am, Rishikesh wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote
style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Sajitha
& Jyotsna have already provided
very useful inputs. So, I’m not sure
how useful this attachment is Jean. It
contains examples on how the current
and next year can be designed and the
kind of curricular changes (broad and
the next level illustratively for
Math).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">I’m
attaching the word version so that you
can use any section of the note to
incorporate into your submission to
the Secy, GoJ. Please feel free to use
the note I’ve shared in whatever way
you feel fit as it does not require
any referencing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Warm
regards,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">rishi<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid
#E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in
0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b>From:</b>
Research <a
href="mailto:research-bounces@educationemergency.net"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><research-bounces@educationemergency.net></a>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Jyotsna Jha<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Sunday, August 22, 2021
10:06 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Sajitha Bashir <a
href="mailto:sajitha.bashir@gmail.com"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><sajitha.bashir@gmail.com></a><br>
<b>Cc:</b> <a
href="mailto:research@educationemergency.net"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true">research@educationemergency.net</a>;
Niranjanaradhya.V.P Aradhya <a
href="mailto:aradhyaniranjan@hotmail.com"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><aradhyaniranjan@hotmail.com></a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Research]
posters<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Hi
Jean, <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">I
can see that we all have
different and at times also
contrary suggestions. <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Yet,
can help suggesting a few - I am
sure you would discern and decide:
I think you should ask for some
quick decisions that are also
easier to implement followed by
some modified approaches for being
more supportive to children. I
have five suggestions:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">1.
I am a votary for a Zero Year or a
Bonus Year for all primary kids,
especially in states like
Jharkhand and Bihar. In the
lifetime, one year is nothing but
if pushed to higher grades without
knowing nothing, it would lead to
much higher dropouts. <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">2.
A curriculum-approach replanning
with support of local (there are
some in Ranchi who understand
these well) and some external
people, focusing on key and
supportive concepts - I know that
MP is making some such initiative.
Different from bridging in the
sense that it also takes note of
already prevailing learning gaps
and also structural aspects. <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">3.
Training teachers on this new
approach and also extensively on
equity and learning issues making
them able to have a
differential approach and not
treating all children the same. It
may also mean individual testing
(as Sajitha is suggesting) to know
about each one of them - but much
better to equip teachers to do
that rather than organising large
scale ones. It must include
orienting them on socio-emotional
support and the importance of
maintaining links with
children/parents during such
breaks.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">4.
Preparing teachers/schools/system
for future sudden such occurrences
(third wave?). For instance, many
schools don't have all children's
addresses with landmarks, phone
numbers (family or neighbour),
closest literate person's phone
number/address. We found that to
be a major constraint that
teachers faced when it came to
getting in touch with students and
families. Record collection may
have happened but the school does
not have these in many cases. <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">5.
Textbooks (plus additional
learning materials) and Meals to
be non-negotiable - the system
must assess the current practices
and assure the availability of
these two. <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Regards,<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Jyotsna<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">On
Sun, Aug 22, 2021 at 9:20 AM
Sajitha Bashir <<a
href="mailto:sajitha.bashir@gmail.com"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true">sajitha.bashir@gmail.com</a>>
wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote
style="border:none;border-left:solid
#CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in
6.0pt;margin-left:4.8pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Studies
from the US show that it takes
several years for students who
are below grade level to "catch
up" to grade level ; one study I
saw indicates that only 4 %
catch up in two years ! (This
is pre-pandemic). In general,
younger children, and students
who are not independent learners
take longer. So this cannot be
a one-time effort, it could take
a few years. In other words,
think of what you have to do
consistently for several years
(which may , if done well,
actually introduce some much
needed changes in the education
system). That is the first
point that I would make. <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">The
education support group of the
coalition is preparing draft
guidelines/ principles . At
this stage, a few other points
that could be put forward<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">-
children need to be assessed
individually (not just on
academic subjects); sample
based assessments and tests
give us an idea of the scale
of the problem, but do not
indicate what needs to be done
in each school. These have to
be administered by teachers,
but there must be some quality
checks and protocols, and
consistent analysis of data,
to help develop school plans.
[ Also, children would also
have learnt new skills and
resilience during this time,
and it is important to build
on this]<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">-
extend the time for learning
(eg weekends, holidays etc).
This obviously has to be
negotiated with teachers or
other organizations have to be
brought in.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">-
mixed age groups / classes in
smaller groups - eg you can
teach literacy skills to some
students in classes 1-3
together, if some grade 2-3
students have lost literacy
skills. This becomes more
difficult at higher levels,
but solutions can be found.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">-
focus on core subjects
initially - language,
mathematics; and
socio-emotional<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">-
tailored training for teachers
to understand and take up new
methods, and regular support
provided to them<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">-
additional instructional
materials for the above (ie
the textbooks usually cannot
be used; but additional
instructional materials are
not difficult to develop and
need not take time)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">-
a clear instructional plan
developed by each school (
schools will need support for
this)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">-
detailed district or block
level planning and monitoring
to support each school; <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">-
meaningful and sensitive
communication with parents on
a regular basis.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">-
more public funding to support
all of above; one can't tackle
the crisis meaningfully with
the existing level of
resources<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">On
Sat, Aug 21, 2021 at 9:56 PM
Jean Dreze <<a
href="mailto:jaandaraz@riseup.net"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true">jaandaraz@riseup.net</a>>
wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote
style="border:none;border-left:solid
#CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in
0in
6.0pt;margin-left:4.8pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<div>
<p>We are meeting the
Education Secretary in
Jharkhand tomorrow. If you
have any suggestions, or any
ready-made material that
might be useful to him,
please let me know.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Jean<o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">On
22-08-2021 07:12,
Rishikesh wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote
style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">That
is right. The gap that
has occurred over the
16+ months is so huge
and as Jean says it is
over the gap that
already existed! If we
are to do anything
meaningful, we will need
a lot of time with the
children to even get
them to where they were
before the lockdown.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">I
guess all will agree
with it too. But the
challenge is in coming
up with the appropriate
approach with a suitable
curriculum, material,
pedagogy, capacity
building to use them
& so on… we will
have to start working
with State Govt’s to
actionize this. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<div
style="border:none;border-top:solid
#E1E1E1
1.0pt;padding:3.0pt
0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b>From:</b>
Jean Dreze <a
href="mailto:jaandaraz@riseup.net"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><jaandaraz@riseup.net></a>
<br>
<b>Sent:</b>
Saturday, August 21,
2021 8:09 PM<br>
<b>To:</b>
Niranjanaradhya.V.P
Aradhya <a
href="mailto:aradhyaniranjan@hotmail.com"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><aradhyaniranjan@hotmail.com></a>;
Guru <a
href="mailto:Guru@ITforChange.net"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><Guru@ITforChange.net></a><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Sajitha
Bashir <a
href="mailto:sajitha.bashir@gmail.com"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><sajitha.bashir@gmail.com></a>;
<a
href="mailto:mehendalearchana@gmail.com"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true">mehendalearchana@gmail.com</a>;
<a
href="mailto:research@educationemergency.net"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true">research@educationemergency.net</a>;
Rishikesh <a
href="mailto:rishikesh@apu.edu.in"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><rishikesh@apu.edu.in></a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re:
[Research] posters<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p>It seems to me that the
"bridge", however
designed, will have to
extend to March 2023,
not 2022. Because the
"gap", for children
who've been left out all
this time, is not just
one-and-a-half years
(since lockdown began);
it's one-and-a-half
years + what they forgot
of what they had learnt
+ whatever gap was
already there before the
lockdown began. I don't
see a 3-month bridge
course filling that gap.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Jean<o:p></o:p></p>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">On
21-08-2021 19:51,
Niranjanaradhya.V.P
Aradhya wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote
style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">Hi Jean and friends </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">You have raised an important issue.
Since March 24<sup>th</sup>
to till date
nothing much
happened to
children who are
in lower classes.
Therefore, I
propose the
following. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">The children who joined class 1 in
2020-21 can be
combined with the
children who are
joining class 1 in
2021-22 since
there levels of
learning are one
and the same.
These children
will undergo
accelerated
learning programme
to learn basic
things appropriate
to their age and
grade in a
combined manner to
benefit both the
age groups and
grades in 2021-22
for 200 hundred
learning days as
indicated by RTE
Act. During this
period, teachers
with special
curriculum and
methods help these
children master
the competencies
otherwise they
would have
mastered in class
1 and two
respectively. At
the end of 2022
academic year , a
special programme
for children who
got admitted to
class 1 in 2020-21
( though they have
not attended
school) can be
designed with
special curriculum
to prepare them
for class 3, so
that we can avoid
loss of one year
for no fault of
them. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">In the meal for all other grades
from 2 to 10, the
first 3 months
should be devoted
to well-structured
bridge course with
a specially
designed
curriculum to get
familiar with age
wise- grade wise
competencies before
we start
curriculum
transaction </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">Otherwise, the loss is for
marginalized
children who are
first- or
second-generation
learners.
Therefore, while
talking on behalf
them and demanding
any solution needs
a fair
understanding and
all benefit should
be given to
children. The
decision also
should be in the
best interest of
the children. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">Niranjan </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal"
style="text-align:center" align="center">
<hr width="98%"
size="2"
align="center"></div>
<div
id="gmail-m_2163359990533632615m_-6387122025185319414gmail-m_-1970655996329404840gmail-m_265165389183865879divRplyFwdMsg">
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b><span
style="color:black">From:</span></b><span
style="color:black"> Jean Dreze </span><a
href="mailto:jaandaraz@riseup.net"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><jaandaraz@riseup.net></a><span
style="color:black"><br>
<b>Sent:</b> 21
August 2021 1:20
AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Guru
</span><a
href="mailto:Guru@ITforChange.net"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><Guru@ITforChange.net></a><span
style="color:black"><br>
<b>Cc:</b>
niranjan aradhya
</span><a
href="mailto:aradhyaniranjan@hotmail.com"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><aradhyaniranjan@hotmail.com></a><span
style="color:black">;
Sajitha Bashir </span><a
href="mailto:sajitha.bashir@gmail.com" target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><sajitha.bashir@gmail.com></a><span
style="color:black">; </span><a
href="mailto:mehendalearchana@gmail.com"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true">mehendalearchana@gmail.com</a><span
style="color:black">
</span><a
href="mailto:mehendalearchana@gmail.com"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><mehendalearchana@gmail.com></a><span
style="color:black">;
</span><a
href="mailto:research@educationemergency.net"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true">research@educationemergency.net</a><span
style="color:black">
</span><a
href="mailto:research@educationemergency.net"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><research@educationemergency.net></a><span
style="color:black">; Rishikesh </span><a
href="mailto:rishikesh@apu.edu.in"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true"><rishikesh@apu.edu.in></a><span
style="color:black"><br>
<b>Subject:</b>
Re: [Research]
posters</span> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p
class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p>Dear Guru and
friends,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>I am still tied
up with the field
survey, but doing
my best to keep up
in the between
with all the
useful material
you are
circulating.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>The survey
findings are
alarming (no
surprise here). In
Latehar district,
in 5 SC/ST
hamlets, we found
that 75% of
children were
unable to read a
single word.
Meanwhile, the
schools are
falling apart.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>I wonder what the
"line" is on
automatic
promotion. Once
again it seems to
suit privileged
children, who are
more or less on
track, but it is
the kiss of
educational death
for other
children. How can
children who were
enrolled in Class
1 last year, and
have never been to
school or learnt
the alphabet, be
in Class 2 now
(Class 3 in a few
months), where
they are given
English textbooks
(in Jharkhand)? Is
there not a case
for a "bonus year"
when all children
are helped to
recover instead of
sorting the
winners and losers
yet again? Just
curious - I am
sure that you have
discussed this.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>I am not clear
whether <a
href="mailto:research@educationemergency.net"
target="_blank"
moz-do-not-send="true">"research@educationemergency.net"</a> is a kind
of collective
address so I am
CC-ing a few at
random!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Best,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Jean<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p
class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">On 10-08-2021
11:05, Guru
wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote
style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<p
class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:12.0pt">Thanks Jean<br>
<br>
We are in the
process of
translating
posters to as
many languages
as possible as
these can help
in sharp and
quick
communication.
We will share
these with you
as well.<br>
<br>
regards<br>
Guru<br>
<br>
<br>
On 10/08/21 7:03
am, Jean Dreze
wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote
style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<p>Dear Guru:
Thanks for
this and other
mails. I am up
to my ears
right now with
the field
survey (until
22 August),
but I will
catch up as
soon as
possible. We
will
definitely
help with
media for one
thing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>More asap,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Jean<o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p
class="MsoNormal"
style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">On 06-08-2021
15:41, Guru
wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote
style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<pre>Dear Jean<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre> <o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>I am attaching the posters that my colleague made in our Karnataka<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>'Open Schools' campaign<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre> <o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>The campaign included a street protest, media articles, few press<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>releases which were reported in local papers. It may have helped a bit -<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>the Karnataka Govt kept high schools open Jan-March 2021.<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>Through the State SMC Federation, Niranjan and others also organized<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>district level protest meetings on school opening. A PIL was also put up<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>in Karnataka High Court on both opening schools and providing mid day<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>meals. The CJ was sympathetic but did not give a firm directive to open<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>schools. (there is a general middle class fear psychosis)<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre> <o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>For this time, apart from posters, street protests, short videos<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>(children, parents, teachers) in multiple languages, social media<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>campaigns, apart from policy briefs, guidelines/toolkits for school<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>opening will be required. And the idea of the national coalition is to<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>share resources/ideas across groups working in different geographies.<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre> <o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>regards,<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>Guru<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre> <o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2021/mar/19/midday-meals-as-crucial-as-classes-survey-2278502.html" target="_blank" moz-do-not-send="true">https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2021/mar/19/midday-meals-as-crucial-as-classes-survey-2278502.html</a><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><a href="https://itforchange.net/press-release-open-all-schools-and-all-classes-local-hygiene-precautions" target="_blank" moz-do-not-send="true">https://itforchange.net/press-release-open-all-schools-and-all-classes-local-hygiene-precautions</a><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><a href="https://itforchange.net/press-release-open-all-primary-schools-now-to-avoid-a-learning-crisis" target="_blank" moz-do-not-send="true">https://itforchange.net/press-release-open-all-primary-schools-now-to-avoid-a-learning-crisis</a><o:p></o:p></pre>
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