Client Name: Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, Central Square Foundation and Boston Consulting Group
Location: Rajasthan
Background Context:
The Adarsh Vidyalaya Yojana was launched in the year 2015 by the Department of Education, Government of Rajasthan to address systemic inefficiencies in the public education system in Rajasthan.
The Adarsh Yojana aimed to address these inefficiencies through a system-wide transformation with the goals of:
- Improved student learning outcomes – at least 75% of students at grade learning levels
- Increase in enrolment in public schools from 26 lakhs to 46 lakhs
Objectives
Development Solutions was commissioned (DS) to undertake an assessment to understand and assess the relevance, impact and sustainability of these interventions in achieving the envisaged goals and outcomes. The specific objectives were:
- Assess change in learning outcomes and school readiness among students who have undergone the program, as compared to those who have not undergone the program.
- Understand stakeholder perspectives on the program, challenges in implementation and recommendations for scale-up
Approach and Methodology
- Method/ Design: Mixed- methods: The assessment used a primarily qualitative methodology supported by quantitative analysis of secondary data. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs) and mini group discussions (MGDs) with stakeholders at the State, district and school levels; and through observation of classroom processes.
- Key Respondents/ Informants: State level officials, district level stakeholders, Panchayat Elementary Education Officer, teachers
- Key Areas of Inquiry: Student Enrolment, improved access to schools, staffing effectiveness, academic strengthening, governance and accountability, use of Shala Darpan
- Sample: 27 IDIs with state and district level stakeholders, 85 MGDs with school stakeholders.
Impact
Insights from the assessment informed the program strategy and implementation of the Adarsh Yojna in Rajasthan. Needed adaptations to intervnetions were made to address gaps and challenges; and successful efforts were further integrated and scaled within the system. Based on the assessment, recommendations for continued investment and support, strategies to ensure sustainability and phasing out assistance were also provided.
Contact
17/109, Lower Ground Floor, Vikram Vihar, Lajpat Nagar IV, New Delhi – 110024