Imphal, Sept 17: Manipur is defying the national trend of declining enrolment in government schools by registering a significant 21 percent increase. This surge in enrolment comes as a result of the successful implementation of the System Transformation and Rejuvenation of Education (STAR Education) program, in collaboration with NewGlobe, an international education support organization.
The STAR Education program is a vital component of Manipur’s “School Fagathansi Mission” initiated by the Chief Minister.
The STAR Education program is characterized by its innovative, technology-driven approach, offering high-quality materials, training, and coaching for teachers along with tech-enabled support teams. This paradigm shift from traditional teaching methods to technology-based approaches has played a pivotal role in boosting enrolment figures.
Furthermore, the adoption of modern teaching methods, a revised learning model, and an improved assessment system have led to enhanced learning outcomes for students. The teaching-learning process in classrooms has become more engaging and effective, facilitating an environment conducive to academic growth.
STAR Education takes a comprehensive approach to evaluating school performance, considering aspects such as student and teacher attendance, adherence to curriculum, school management, and instructional practices. Phase 1 of the program was executed across 253 schools, with 1,172 teachers receiving training, benefiting 24,290 students spanning 16 districts.
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The primary objective of STAR Education is to enhance literacy and numeracy skills among students in public schools while empowering teachers with cutting-edge technology and training. This approach has yielded significant improvements in learning outcomes. Teachers are equipped with the latest teaching methods and resources, enabling them to create dynamic and tailored lesson plans tailored to each student’s needs.
Moreover, STAR Education leverages technology to enable real-time data tracking, providing teachers with valuable insights into student performance and learning gaps. This data-driven approach allows teachers to adjust their teaching strategies to better meet the needs of their students.
Sucheta Khumukcham, the Zonal Education Officer of Imphal West district, highlighted the positive impact of STAR Education on enrolment figures.
For instance, Sardar Patel High School in Imphal West experienced a dramatic increase in enrolment from 75 students in the 2022 academic session to 356 in the current academic session. This remarkable growth can be attributed to the increased trust parents have in the innovative changes brought about by STAR Education.
Khumukcham also pointed out that STAR Education offers various teaching strategies, such as small group practices, post-lesson reflection, and reserved time for teachers to provide personalized feedback. These strategies cater to the diverse learning needs of students, both slow and fast learners.
Under the STAR Education program, there is a common lesson plan for all schools, ensuring uniformity in content. This approach helps teachers complete each lesson on time and maintain consistency in curriculum delivery.
Sujatha Muthayya, Vice President of Asia, Policy & Partnership at NewGlobe, emphasized that the project’s primary focus is on foundational literacy and numeracy, supported by customized supplementary learning materials. The program demonstrated remarkable improvements, with a 27 percent increase in literacy and a 40 percent increase in numeracy skills.
Students in STAR Education schools experienced an acceleration of eight additional percentage points on a numeracy assessment compared to their counterparts not in the program. Additionally, enrolment figures surged by an impressive 45 percent, reflecting increased confidence in government schools’ ability to provide quality education within Manipur’s communities.
The STAR Education program in Manipur serves as a shining example of how innovative and technology-driven approaches can significantly impact education outcomes, increase enrolment in government schools, and empower both students and teachers for a brighter future.
