Universalisation Of Elementary Education

The success of the primary education system has a direct bearing on the upper primary, non-formal and adult and continuing education sectors; an efficient primary education system is expected to contribute significantly to total literacy: an appropriate rise in literacy levels improves the functioning of other systems of education. Effective delivery of primary education contributes to bettering India's HDI (Human Development Index), including our standing in the Human Development Index evolved by UNDP. This volume is a study of the District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) in one of the states of South India. It is a piece of policy evaluation research expected to contribute to the ongoing discussion of policy processes in primary schools. It specifically questions to what extent objectives such as access, retention, quality and equality are achieved by the implementation of the DPEP. Figures from before and after the implementation of the DPEP show a significant increase in enrolment levels in primary schools all over the state. Thus, the major impact of DPEP implementation is seen in enhanced access to primary schools. The study shows that the DPEP implementation succeeded in attaining the objective of equality. This can be observed from gender equality in dropout rates at various primary grades. The DPEP seems to have achieved only moderate success in meeting the objective of retention of students. The DPEP does not seem to have approached the quality objective very seriously.

In Indian context.

Revised version of most of the papers presented at a seminar held in June 2006.

The Constitution Of India Came Into Force On 26Th January, 1950 And Since Then Indigenous Ideas Have Been Introduced, New Experiments Have Been Conducted And New Thrust Areas Have Been Identified In Different Aspects Of Education In India To Keep Pace With The Developments In Society, Politics, Economics, Emotions And Sentiments At The National And International Levels. A Vast And Fast Developing Country Like India Is Bound To Encounter New And Recurring Problems Of Educational Expansion, Total Quality Management, Planning, Administration, Supervision, Curriculum, Evaluation, Teacher Education, Special Education, Integrated Education, Leadership, Ecology And Guidance Services In Schools.This Book Is An Humble Attempt To Understand Some Of The Afore-Said Problems Of Education In Their Right Perspectives And To Find Out Solutions In The Light Of Recommendations Of Various Committees And Commissions, Policies, Reports And Publications Of Mhrd, Ncert, Niepa, Ncte, Other Institutes, Frontline Educationists And Authors Of Eminence.The Distinguishing Features Of The Book Are Lucidity And Simplicity Of Language, Uniformity And Precision In Organisation Of Facts And Figures With Scope For Reading Between Lines And Beyond Suitable For Students Of Teacher Education Institutions And University Departments Of Education.

Contributed articles on universalising elementary education and on crucial role of teachers and teacher-educators.

With special reference to India.