asha for education, stanford
ASHA FOR EDUCATION, STANFORD RURAL SCHOOL STRENGTHENING PROJECT By
Kalanjiyam Trust Supported by
Kalanjiyam
BACKGROUND
With support from Asha for education Stanford chapter, Kalanjiyam has been implementing a rural school strengthening project for five years. The project started implementing programs in primary and middle schools and now works with all levels from primary to higher secondary level. In the year 2015-16, the project works in six schools: Ariyanur Primary School, Chinna Venmani Primary School, Periya Venmani Middle School, Periya Vellikkadu Middle School, Zameen Endathur High School, and Thiruvadhoor higher secondary school. The following activities were implemented during the school year:
One Para teacher was placed in each of the schools: Ariyanur, Chinna Venmani, Periya Venmani. One computer teacher was appointed to teach computers in all the project primary and middle schools Four subject teachers were appointed for Thiruvadhoor higher secondary school, to teach all classes between 6th and 12th, as per the school‟s requirements. In addition, the school requested to add another subject teacher for Chemistry, rather than the para teacher, so in place of para teacher another subject teacher was appointed to teach Chemistry. Ms. Uma appointed in this post was a scholarship student from Kalanjiyam and also a physically challenged person. Given her skills and qualification (B Ed) she was appointed in the position. Two subject teachers were appointed for Zameen Endathur High School, to teach Math and English for all classes and teach 10th standard students during school and after school programs. In this year, a subject teacher was appointed for Periya Vellikkadu Middle school to teach Math for classes 6th through 8th. The Drawing master continued to provide instruction in drawing for students in all the project schools. After school tuition program was implemented in the primary and middle schools by tuition instructors. These tutors focus on helping students to catch up with their lessons, to do homework and some are specially coached based on requirement. This year proposal also included the appointment of a special educator for six months of implementation. We had planned to have a Special educator in place from October 2015; but there was a delay in recruitment and the person could not join till November. Due the extended number of days of school closure in November and December, the special educator could not be continued. From January onwards all schools requested that they needed to pay attention to regular syllabus to catch up for all the classes / school days missed (for 40 days). So it has been planned that the budget for the special educator will be retained and will be utilized for placing a special educator from June 2016 onwards (for 1
next school year). SCORES FROM EXAM S
Students in Zameen Endathur continue to do well. Scores from 10th standard second midterm from last school year and current school year shows marked improvement in overall pass percentage and by subject.
Zameen Endathur High School 10th standard Pass percentage 2nd Mid-term 2014
2nd Mid-term 2015
Final / Board
Tamil
78.6
88.6
89%
English
83.3
72.7
91%
Math
45.2
88.6
98%
Science
100.0
88.6
100%
Social science
47.6
95.5
100%
Total pass percent
32.0
72.7
90%
Thiruvadhoor Higher Secondary School 12th Result (%) Percentage pass by subject Tamil
90%
English
92%
Math
92%
Physics
98%
Chemistry
95%
Biology
90%
Zoology
92%
Botany
98%
Computer Science
89%
Accounts
70%
Commerce
73%
Economics
80%
History
63%
Overall
77% 2
School Marks for Primary and Middle Schools Periya Venmani
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
Tamil %
78
77
82
75
71
77
77
85
English %
73
79
77
84
67
71
61
73
Math %
78
74
86
80
75
67
65
79
Science %
80
75
75
76
76
72
70
81
Social Science%
-
-
90
75
71
65
70
79
# Students
8
13
10
8
15
11
11
8
Tamil %
80
82
74
70
80
74
77
72
English %
84
80
78
72
82
71
75
74
Math %
87
80
85
82
78
72
82
85
Science %
88
88
79
69
89
76
80
82
Social Science%
-
-
79
70
83
79
81
84
# Students
5
11
17
6
11
26
22
27
Tamil %
96
94
96
94
100
-
-
-
English %
93
86
94
94
92
-
-
-
Math %
93
95
97
98
94
-
-
-
Science %
96
96
98
99
98
-
-
-
Social Science%
-
-
99
94
94
-
-
-
# Students
2
4
5
4
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
Periya Vellikkadu
Ariyanur
Chinna Venmani Tamil %
89
91
87
86
86
-
-
-
English %
88
90
88
85
84
-
-
-
Math %
90
91
87
86
92
-
-
-
Science %
92
91
93
91
88
-
-
-
Social Science%
-
-
90
93
88
-
-
-
# Students
5
7
5
6
4
-
-
-
3
Feedback about Para Teachers “The help rendered by the para-teachers is very useful and they are supportive during class hours. They pay special attention to the slow learners for their growth. Different teaching methods are used for the students to have a better understanding on reading and writing. After school tuitions handled by para teachers have benefitted the students immensely.” “Para teachers extended their full support. There is a continuous teaching-learning process in the classroom. Even in the absence of other teachers, they are fully engaged
and
give
their
support
without
any
hesitation.” –HM, Periya Venmani Middle School
ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE PROJECT:
ASSESSMENTS
Baseline ASER assessments were conducted at the beginning of the school year/ and in January 2016 among all primary class students. Data on children‟s milestones was collected using the child monitoring card, for all primary classes
PROVISION OF EDUCATIONAL AIDS
Drawing note books and accessories were procured and provided to all schools in the project schools. As per annual plan, Tamil English Tamil Dictionaries were given to all students from 5th class onwards in the project schools. School atlas was also given for students in 6th class and above. Due to the rains in Kanchipuram district, majority of the students had lost all their school materials. Given this situation, the project provided additional set of note books to each student in all the project schools.
AFTER SCHOOL TUITIONS
The after school tuition were conducted in Ariyanur, Chinna Venmani and Periya Venmani. The format of the tuition program from last school year was followed. In addition to the regular school lessons, doing home-work, or special coaching, the students also had the opportunity to learn general knowledge, practice newspaper reading, and other extracurricular programs, such as craft making, singing, drama and storytelling sessions. 4
Progress Seen in Slow Learners: Student Assessments were helped to understand the levels of cognition, concentration/ attention and academic understanding. The students identified as slow learners by class teachers and Head Mistresses of the respective schools were assessed and supported during tuitions. The following were the major findings of the student assessment conducted in the schools. Most common problem was low level of concentration, attention and memory Family/personal problems affect academic performance
An activity-based approach was adopted to help slow learners brush up their basics, understand concepts better and to help them cope with their lessons. Specific problem areas of individual children as identified during the student assessments were focused upon by the para-teachers. Para-teachers have motivated the children and good performance by slow learners was appreciated through gifts. OTHER ACTIVITIES
Competitions: Drawing competition was conducted in addition to regular drawing tests by the drawing master. The competition was conducted between November and January and during Republic Day / week, certificates and prizes were to the winning students in each school. A special year end drawing completion was conducted as an inter-school competition, early in March and Prizes were given for the winning students.
Maths Competitions- A Maths Competition was conducted for 3rd through 5th class students in all the project schools. A majority of the students of class V had performed exceedingly well. Four of the slow learners of class V had performed as good as the toppers of the class: Many of the prize winners also confessed that it was the first time they had won a prize and that they are extremely happy about it. The school teachers and Headmasters were surprised and happy about the performance and about some of the prize winners.
Newspaper reading the habit of newspaper reading has been focused on regularly in the primary and middle schools. Para teachers identify important news events and have the class read these, so that their reading and general knowledge would improve.
5
Health camps- after the rains, there were lots of health problems in the project villages. To address the health concerns / problems that children were having, health camp was conducted in all project schools during the rains in December and after in January.
Exposure program: Students from Chennai based school visited Periya Vellikkadu Middle school and conducted special programs for the middle school students. They engaged the students in creative activities, games and other exercises for stimulating their growth.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Provision of Supplementary nutrition for students in Zameen Endathur High School After getting approval, the project supported to provide supplementary nutrition after school daily for the 10th class students during special classes conducted in February and March 2016, for coaching for 10th Board Exams. Local entrepreneurs were engaged for the activity and they provided a snack and a drink daily which included: Sundal, Pongal, Energy drinks, Fruits, Biscuits, Juice, Tea etc. This program was most supportive for the rural students and ensured that they were able to study / prepare well for the exams.
6
PROJECT MONITORING PARAMETERS
Child milestones were monitored by the para teachers on a monthly basis. While regularity improved from beginning of the year and October, there was a decline in November due the largely due to the weather conditions. This subsequently improved and increased by February prior to exams.
Regularity of Students: July 2015-March 2016 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 July
Aug
Sep Class 1
Oct Class 2
Nov Class 3
Dec Class 4
Jan
Feb
Mar
Class 5
Scores of children from each month was aggregated to get an average score for every child who is combined and presented here by Class and month. The results from the monitoring data shows that while children steadily improved between July and end of the year.
Improvement in Aggregate Milestones Over the 9 months: July 2015-March 2016 50.0 45.0 40.0 35.0 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 July
Aug
Sep Class 1
Oct Class 2
Nov Class 3
7
Dec Class 4
Jan Class 5
Feb
Mar
When comparing different areas of milestones, it was observed that average performance was highest for regularity, followed by level of activity, and friendliness. Additional improvements are required in the areas of handwriting and pronunciation.
Average Performance in Key Milestone Indicators by Class 5 4 3 2 1 0 Class 1 Regularity
Class 2 Cooperation
Mental Ability
Class 3 Activity
8
Class 4 Friendliness
Handwriting
Class 5 Pronunciation
KEY PROJECT OUTCOMES
Tamil
Baseline Cannot read or write
Class 4% 0
Class 5% 0
Total % 0
Class 3% 0
Class 4% 0
Class 5% 0
Total % 0
Class 3% 0
Class 4% 0
Class 5% 0
Total % 0
can read letters
97.4
100
100
99.1
100
100
100
100
100
97.4
100
97.1
98.1
88.6
96.7
94.6
95.2
99.5
98.2
Can read a paragraph
92.3 82.1
100 93.5
94.3 91.4
93.5 87.0
92.9 88.4
35
107
79.6 68.8 93
95.0 89.6
31
90.0 83.3 30
89.3 90.3
39
71.4 57.1 35
100 100. 0 94.5 85.2
100
Can read words
100 100. 0 78.6 67.9 28
38
29
32
99
Class 3 0
Class 4 0
Class 5 0
Class 3 0
Class 4 0
Class 5 0
Class 3 0
Class 4 0
Class 5 0
97.4 87.2 61.5 33.3
100 96.8 71.0 51.6
100 94.3 91.4 68.6
99.1 90.7 72.9 49.5
100 98 89.5 65.9
100 94 80 60
35
107
100 83.3 46.7 33.3 30
100 93 821 58.5
31
96.4 71.4 39.3 17.9 28
100 92 70.4 56.5
39
97.1 71.4 25.7 17.1 35
38
29
32
99
Class 3 0
Class 4 0
Class 5 4
Total
Class 4 0
Class 5 0
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
Total
1
Class 3 0
100
100
100
100
97.1
100
100
98.9
99
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
94.3
100
100
97.8
96
100
100
99
94.9 79.5 -
100 93.5 80.6 32.3
97.1 91.4 85.7 77.1
95.3 86.0 83.3 56.1
77.1 60.0
96.7 94 85 84.5
95 88 83 79
35
107
35
90.3 75.3 75.9 41.4 93
100 91 80 74.4
31
96.7 83.3 76.7 63.3 30
88 80 -
39
100 85.7 75.0 17.9 28
38
29
32
99
Total number of students
English
End Line
Class 3% 0
Can read stories
Cannot read or write can read letters Can read words can read paragraph can read stories Total number of students
None
Math
Midline
Can count numbers 1 to 10 Can count numbers 99 to 100 Can do addition Can do subtraction Can do multiplication can do division
Total 0
Total 0
97.8 75.3 36.6 22.6 93 Total
Total
0
The ACER test was conducted first in August 2015, January 2016 and March 2016. While performance of students significantly reduced to long closure of schools in January midterm, the performance improved considerably by end of school. OTHER ACTIVITIES: HYGIENE AND SANITATI ON PROGRAM
Sanitation programs were continued to be implemented in all the project schools. Sanitation workers were appointed in Chennai Venmani, Ariyanur, Periya Venmani and Periya Vellikkadu Schools in the beginning of the school year; and the schools are provided all cleaning materials for maintenance. RO systems in schools were services and additional drums for water storage in the class rooms were provided Hand washing program was continued, and all schools are provided with monthly supply of soap. The Para teachers ensure that all children wash hands with soap before lunch and after toileting.
New initiative was conducted to promote good hygiene practices among the children wherein red stars and black dots are awarded for good and bad turn out respectively throughout the month. One girl and one boy with the maximum number of stars from each school were felicitated at the end of the school year. To encourage children to keep their classroom clean a competition called „Clean Classroom Champions of the Week‟ was initiated wherein the classroom that is the cleanest during the course of the week receives a rolling trophy. To promote and increase ownership, a competition for the best hygiene-sanitation worker was conducted.
GETTING PARENTS INVOLVED Meetings with parents of children were conducted in all schools. The main focus of the meetings was to address some of the issues related to children. The meeting served as a platform to engage with the parents on issues such as school regularity, punctuality, and child nutrition, personal hygiene of children, and child health not only physical but emotional and mental health and child abuse. Parents were encouraged to view the world from the child‟s perspective and provide greater attention to the child‟s needs. The resource person stressed more on the importance of paying attention and listening to children as most of the parents never do it in their day-to-day life due to work pressure.
1
Lipnisha Lipnisha, an 11-year old girl, was studying in class 1 when the project started engaging with her. She lives with her grandmother, as her parents deserted their family and moved on with their respected lives. She is a below average performer in her class. After regular interaction and assessment, Lipnisha was identified to have poor memory and low level of attention/concentration. She was able to learn but was unable to reproduce it in her exams. It was observed that, she used to be very reserved and not much participatory. The core problem affecting her studies was identified and steps were immediately taken to improve her attention and concentration levels. In the beginning, she attended special classes which helped the staff to build a good rapport with her slowly. Lipnisha, along with the other below average performers benefitted from the evening tuition classes. In tuition classes the para teacher gave special attention towards her. She started participating in group activities performed during school hours. The tuition classes not only concentrated on the academic part but also were platforms to spend quality time to support her. Her memory is now improved and she is able to reproduce what was taught to her. Para teacher has been adopting various methods to improve her concentration and memory. Regular activities such as puzzles and other memory gaining games have been conducted so as to enhance her memory and attention. She has performed better in Tamil but struggled to cope up with math problems. In spite of her crumbled family situation, she took it as a challenge and currently she is showing a good level of improvement with the continuous interventions.
ANUSHIYA This short story is about a girl named Anushiya living in Zameendathur village. She lives with her parents and has one elder sister. Anushiya recently completed her 12 th board exams. She was pursuing her higher education at Thiruvadhoor Higher Secondary school. Anushiya is a clever young girl who seems generous and easy going. Anushiya‟s mother and father are daily wage laborers and they go for NREGA work. Her sister discontinued her studies after tenth and is engaged in some company work. Due to poor financial status of the family, Anushya is striving hard to do her under graduation course. 2
From childhood, Anushiya aspired to become a doctor. She worked hard from the beginning. She is a studious girl and scored rank one in all her classes. She was benefitted from all the extra classes and support provided by the project placed teachers in Thiruvadhoor school. Anushiya is also a regular participant for adolescent meetings at Kalanjiyam. She was sincere in her studies which helped her to achieve a good score in her 10 th board exam and availed the scholarship amount of Rs.1000/- from Kalanjiyam. Taking science and math as her core subject in 12th, Anushiya concentrated on her studies well. She was also supported with Rs. 2000 by Kalanjiyam scholarship. This was very helpful to her in continuing her studies without any interruption. Anushiya left all her worries and fully concentrated in preparing for the board exams. She had put in all her efforts and scored 965 out of 1200 in her 12 th board exams. It was a lower score than she expected and was disappointed. She convinced herself from the disappointment and now she has planned to pursue B.SC Math. Anushiya‟s mother is very supportive to her studies. She tries and contributes her best for her child‟s education. Anushiya‟s mother feels proud for her daughter that she is the first generation college goer. Anushiya‟s sister is also helpful to her in monetary terms. This had instilled a positive feel in Anushiya to continue her degree course. Despite of poor financial background, Anushiya along with her family had faced and had come up with all the hard times. “I am thankful to my mother, school and the project for being a support system and they all have played an important role in supporting for my career”. \
3
PROJECT EXPENDITURE: JUNE 2015 – MAY 2016
ASHA-Stanford Rural School Strengthening Project Budget - June 2015- May 2016 Description Drawing master - we are increasing the salary for this activity since drawing master has been with the project for more than 3 years; and need to provide incentive and cost of living raise Para teacher salary and welfare (4 para-teachers)
Budget 6000 for 11 months
Expenditure 60000.00
4500 per month for 12 months
216000.00
Computer Teacher (1) After school Tuition program for two primary and one middle school 1000/ school for 11 months Four special subject teachers for Thiruvadhoor Higher Secondary School (4) , at the current salary structure as in 2014-15 (part support to school) Two Special subject school teachers for Zameen Endathur High School (2) at same salary structure as current year 2014-15 Notebooks for primary / middle school and study guides (Rs. 100 / student); and for purchase paint, colours, additional drawing and craft materials for drawing / arts class.
4500/m 1000/school for 3 schools 5000/teacher for 11 month
54000.00 27000.00
Dictionaries for students from new incoming 6th students (300) Additional Activities budget Mentoring, and Career counselling for 10th-12th students; part cost for purchase of materials, hand-outs for conducting sessions (over 10 months) Special subject teacher for Periya Vellikkadu Middle School, inclusive of transport Special Educators (2) to work with children with delays2 15,000/ for six months
200000.00
5000/teacher for 11 month
110000.00
Rs. 150 /student
78000.001
Rs. 55/ child
17000.00
2500/ per month
10000.00
6000/ per month
60000.00
90000/
0
Support for supplementary nutrition for 10th class Total expenditures Funds Received in 2015-16 12-08-2015 03-12-2015 Total fund available for 2015-16 including balance Expenditures Balance in Hand
30,000.00 8,62,000.00 426,000.00 426000.00 941,500.00 862,000.00 79,500.003
1
Includes 33,000 rupees spent for provision of additional notes books (set of three) to all students in project notebooks. 2 3
To be used in current school year
Request to start utilizing these funds towards salary for para teachers and subject teachers in June 2016 4
5
6
7
8
9
Kalanjiyam Trust Supported by
Kalanjiyam
BACKGROUND
With support from Asha for education Stanford chapter, Kalanjiyam has been implementing a rural school strengthening project for five years. The project started implementing programs in primary and middle schools and now works with all levels from primary to higher secondary level. In the year 2015-16, the project works in six schools: Ariyanur Primary School, Chinna Venmani Primary School, Periya Venmani Middle School, Periya Vellikkadu Middle School, Zameen Endathur High School, and Thiruvadhoor higher secondary school. The following activities were implemented during the school year:
One Para teacher was placed in each of the schools: Ariyanur, Chinna Venmani, Periya Venmani. One computer teacher was appointed to teach computers in all the project primary and middle schools Four subject teachers were appointed for Thiruvadhoor higher secondary school, to teach all classes between 6th and 12th, as per the school‟s requirements. In addition, the school requested to add another subject teacher for Chemistry, rather than the para teacher, so in place of para teacher another subject teacher was appointed to teach Chemistry. Ms. Uma appointed in this post was a scholarship student from Kalanjiyam and also a physically challenged person. Given her skills and qualification (B Ed) she was appointed in the position. Two subject teachers were appointed for Zameen Endathur High School, to teach Math and English for all classes and teach 10th standard students during school and after school programs. In this year, a subject teacher was appointed for Periya Vellikkadu Middle school to teach Math for classes 6th through 8th. The Drawing master continued to provide instruction in drawing for students in all the project schools. After school tuition program was implemented in the primary and middle schools by tuition instructors. These tutors focus on helping students to catch up with their lessons, to do homework and some are specially coached based on requirement. This year proposal also included the appointment of a special educator for six months of implementation. We had planned to have a Special educator in place from October 2015; but there was a delay in recruitment and the person could not join till November. Due the extended number of days of school closure in November and December, the special educator could not be continued. From January onwards all schools requested that they needed to pay attention to regular syllabus to catch up for all the classes / school days missed (for 40 days). So it has been planned that the budget for the special educator will be retained and will be utilized for placing a special educator from June 2016 onwards (for 1
next school year). SCORES FROM EXAM S
Students in Zameen Endathur continue to do well. Scores from 10th standard second midterm from last school year and current school year shows marked improvement in overall pass percentage and by subject.
Zameen Endathur High School 10th standard Pass percentage 2nd Mid-term 2014
2nd Mid-term 2015
Final / Board
Tamil
78.6
88.6
89%
English
83.3
72.7
91%
Math
45.2
88.6
98%
Science
100.0
88.6
100%
Social science
47.6
95.5
100%
Total pass percent
32.0
72.7
90%
Thiruvadhoor Higher Secondary School 12th Result (%) Percentage pass by subject Tamil
90%
English
92%
Math
92%
Physics
98%
Chemistry
95%
Biology
90%
Zoology
92%
Botany
98%
Computer Science
89%
Accounts
70%
Commerce
73%
Economics
80%
History
63%
Overall
77% 2
School Marks for Primary and Middle Schools Periya Venmani
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
Tamil %
78
77
82
75
71
77
77
85
English %
73
79
77
84
67
71
61
73
Math %
78
74
86
80
75
67
65
79
Science %
80
75
75
76
76
72
70
81
Social Science%
-
-
90
75
71
65
70
79
# Students
8
13
10
8
15
11
11
8
Tamil %
80
82
74
70
80
74
77
72
English %
84
80
78
72
82
71
75
74
Math %
87
80
85
82
78
72
82
85
Science %
88
88
79
69
89
76
80
82
Social Science%
-
-
79
70
83
79
81
84
# Students
5
11
17
6
11
26
22
27
Tamil %
96
94
96
94
100
-
-
-
English %
93
86
94
94
92
-
-
-
Math %
93
95
97
98
94
-
-
-
Science %
96
96
98
99
98
-
-
-
Social Science%
-
-
99
94
94
-
-
-
# Students
2
4
5
4
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
Periya Vellikkadu
Ariyanur
Chinna Venmani Tamil %
89
91
87
86
86
-
-
-
English %
88
90
88
85
84
-
-
-
Math %
90
91
87
86
92
-
-
-
Science %
92
91
93
91
88
-
-
-
Social Science%
-
-
90
93
88
-
-
-
# Students
5
7
5
6
4
-
-
-
3
Feedback about Para Teachers “The help rendered by the para-teachers is very useful and they are supportive during class hours. They pay special attention to the slow learners for their growth. Different teaching methods are used for the students to have a better understanding on reading and writing. After school tuitions handled by para teachers have benefitted the students immensely.” “Para teachers extended their full support. There is a continuous teaching-learning process in the classroom. Even in the absence of other teachers, they are fully engaged
and
give
their
support
without
any
hesitation.” –HM, Periya Venmani Middle School
ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE PROJECT:
ASSESSMENTS
Baseline ASER assessments were conducted at the beginning of the school year/ and in January 2016 among all primary class students. Data on children‟s milestones was collected using the child monitoring card, for all primary classes
PROVISION OF EDUCATIONAL AIDS
Drawing note books and accessories were procured and provided to all schools in the project schools. As per annual plan, Tamil English Tamil Dictionaries were given to all students from 5th class onwards in the project schools. School atlas was also given for students in 6th class and above. Due to the rains in Kanchipuram district, majority of the students had lost all their school materials. Given this situation, the project provided additional set of note books to each student in all the project schools.
AFTER SCHOOL TUITIONS
The after school tuition were conducted in Ariyanur, Chinna Venmani and Periya Venmani. The format of the tuition program from last school year was followed. In addition to the regular school lessons, doing home-work, or special coaching, the students also had the opportunity to learn general knowledge, practice newspaper reading, and other extracurricular programs, such as craft making, singing, drama and storytelling sessions. 4
Progress Seen in Slow Learners: Student Assessments were helped to understand the levels of cognition, concentration/ attention and academic understanding. The students identified as slow learners by class teachers and Head Mistresses of the respective schools were assessed and supported during tuitions. The following were the major findings of the student assessment conducted in the schools. Most common problem was low level of concentration, attention and memory Family/personal problems affect academic performance
An activity-based approach was adopted to help slow learners brush up their basics, understand concepts better and to help them cope with their lessons. Specific problem areas of individual children as identified during the student assessments were focused upon by the para-teachers. Para-teachers have motivated the children and good performance by slow learners was appreciated through gifts. OTHER ACTIVITIES
Competitions: Drawing competition was conducted in addition to regular drawing tests by the drawing master. The competition was conducted between November and January and during Republic Day / week, certificates and prizes were to the winning students in each school. A special year end drawing completion was conducted as an inter-school competition, early in March and Prizes were given for the winning students.
Maths Competitions- A Maths Competition was conducted for 3rd through 5th class students in all the project schools. A majority of the students of class V had performed exceedingly well. Four of the slow learners of class V had performed as good as the toppers of the class: Many of the prize winners also confessed that it was the first time they had won a prize and that they are extremely happy about it. The school teachers and Headmasters were surprised and happy about the performance and about some of the prize winners.
Newspaper reading the habit of newspaper reading has been focused on regularly in the primary and middle schools. Para teachers identify important news events and have the class read these, so that their reading and general knowledge would improve.
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Health camps- after the rains, there were lots of health problems in the project villages. To address the health concerns / problems that children were having, health camp was conducted in all project schools during the rains in December and after in January.
Exposure program: Students from Chennai based school visited Periya Vellikkadu Middle school and conducted special programs for the middle school students. They engaged the students in creative activities, games and other exercises for stimulating their growth.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Provision of Supplementary nutrition for students in Zameen Endathur High School After getting approval, the project supported to provide supplementary nutrition after school daily for the 10th class students during special classes conducted in February and March 2016, for coaching for 10th Board Exams. Local entrepreneurs were engaged for the activity and they provided a snack and a drink daily which included: Sundal, Pongal, Energy drinks, Fruits, Biscuits, Juice, Tea etc. This program was most supportive for the rural students and ensured that they were able to study / prepare well for the exams.
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PROJECT MONITORING PARAMETERS
Child milestones were monitored by the para teachers on a monthly basis. While regularity improved from beginning of the year and October, there was a decline in November due the largely due to the weather conditions. This subsequently improved and increased by February prior to exams.
Regularity of Students: July 2015-March 2016 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 July
Aug
Sep Class 1
Oct Class 2
Nov Class 3
Dec Class 4
Jan
Feb
Mar
Class 5
Scores of children from each month was aggregated to get an average score for every child who is combined and presented here by Class and month. The results from the monitoring data shows that while children steadily improved between July and end of the year.
Improvement in Aggregate Milestones Over the 9 months: July 2015-March 2016 50.0 45.0 40.0 35.0 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 July
Aug
Sep Class 1
Oct Class 2
Nov Class 3
7
Dec Class 4
Jan Class 5
Feb
Mar
When comparing different areas of milestones, it was observed that average performance was highest for regularity, followed by level of activity, and friendliness. Additional improvements are required in the areas of handwriting and pronunciation.
Average Performance in Key Milestone Indicators by Class 5 4 3 2 1 0 Class 1 Regularity
Class 2 Cooperation
Mental Ability
Class 3 Activity
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Class 4 Friendliness
Handwriting
Class 5 Pronunciation
KEY PROJECT OUTCOMES
Tamil
Baseline Cannot read or write
Class 4% 0
Class 5% 0
Total % 0
Class 3% 0
Class 4% 0
Class 5% 0
Total % 0
Class 3% 0
Class 4% 0
Class 5% 0
Total % 0
can read letters
97.4
100
100
99.1
100
100
100
100
100
97.4
100
97.1
98.1
88.6
96.7
94.6
95.2
99.5
98.2
Can read a paragraph
92.3 82.1
100 93.5
94.3 91.4
93.5 87.0
92.9 88.4
35
107
79.6 68.8 93
95.0 89.6
31
90.0 83.3 30
89.3 90.3
39
71.4 57.1 35
100 100. 0 94.5 85.2
100
Can read words
100 100. 0 78.6 67.9 28
38
29
32
99
Class 3 0
Class 4 0
Class 5 0
Class 3 0
Class 4 0
Class 5 0
Class 3 0
Class 4 0
Class 5 0
97.4 87.2 61.5 33.3
100 96.8 71.0 51.6
100 94.3 91.4 68.6
99.1 90.7 72.9 49.5
100 98 89.5 65.9
100 94 80 60
35
107
100 83.3 46.7 33.3 30
100 93 821 58.5
31
96.4 71.4 39.3 17.9 28
100 92 70.4 56.5
39
97.1 71.4 25.7 17.1 35
38
29
32
99
Class 3 0
Class 4 0
Class 5 4
Total
Class 4 0
Class 5 0
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
Total
1
Class 3 0
100
100
100
100
97.1
100
100
98.9
99
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
94.3
100
100
97.8
96
100
100
99
94.9 79.5 -
100 93.5 80.6 32.3
97.1 91.4 85.7 77.1
95.3 86.0 83.3 56.1
77.1 60.0
96.7 94 85 84.5
95 88 83 79
35
107
35
90.3 75.3 75.9 41.4 93
100 91 80 74.4
31
96.7 83.3 76.7 63.3 30
88 80 -
39
100 85.7 75.0 17.9 28
38
29
32
99
Total number of students
English
End Line
Class 3% 0
Can read stories
Cannot read or write can read letters Can read words can read paragraph can read stories Total number of students
None
Math
Midline
Can count numbers 1 to 10 Can count numbers 99 to 100 Can do addition Can do subtraction Can do multiplication can do division
Total 0
Total 0
97.8 75.3 36.6 22.6 93 Total
Total
0
The ACER test was conducted first in August 2015, January 2016 and March 2016. While performance of students significantly reduced to long closure of schools in January midterm, the performance improved considerably by end of school. OTHER ACTIVITIES: HYGIENE AND SANITATI ON PROGRAM
Sanitation programs were continued to be implemented in all the project schools. Sanitation workers were appointed in Chennai Venmani, Ariyanur, Periya Venmani and Periya Vellikkadu Schools in the beginning of the school year; and the schools are provided all cleaning materials for maintenance. RO systems in schools were services and additional drums for water storage in the class rooms were provided Hand washing program was continued, and all schools are provided with monthly supply of soap. The Para teachers ensure that all children wash hands with soap before lunch and after toileting.
New initiative was conducted to promote good hygiene practices among the children wherein red stars and black dots are awarded for good and bad turn out respectively throughout the month. One girl and one boy with the maximum number of stars from each school were felicitated at the end of the school year. To encourage children to keep their classroom clean a competition called „Clean Classroom Champions of the Week‟ was initiated wherein the classroom that is the cleanest during the course of the week receives a rolling trophy. To promote and increase ownership, a competition for the best hygiene-sanitation worker was conducted.
GETTING PARENTS INVOLVED Meetings with parents of children were conducted in all schools. The main focus of the meetings was to address some of the issues related to children. The meeting served as a platform to engage with the parents on issues such as school regularity, punctuality, and child nutrition, personal hygiene of children, and child health not only physical but emotional and mental health and child abuse. Parents were encouraged to view the world from the child‟s perspective and provide greater attention to the child‟s needs. The resource person stressed more on the importance of paying attention and listening to children as most of the parents never do it in their day-to-day life due to work pressure.
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Lipnisha Lipnisha, an 11-year old girl, was studying in class 1 when the project started engaging with her. She lives with her grandmother, as her parents deserted their family and moved on with their respected lives. She is a below average performer in her class. After regular interaction and assessment, Lipnisha was identified to have poor memory and low level of attention/concentration. She was able to learn but was unable to reproduce it in her exams. It was observed that, she used to be very reserved and not much participatory. The core problem affecting her studies was identified and steps were immediately taken to improve her attention and concentration levels. In the beginning, she attended special classes which helped the staff to build a good rapport with her slowly. Lipnisha, along with the other below average performers benefitted from the evening tuition classes. In tuition classes the para teacher gave special attention towards her. She started participating in group activities performed during school hours. The tuition classes not only concentrated on the academic part but also were platforms to spend quality time to support her. Her memory is now improved and she is able to reproduce what was taught to her. Para teacher has been adopting various methods to improve her concentration and memory. Regular activities such as puzzles and other memory gaining games have been conducted so as to enhance her memory and attention. She has performed better in Tamil but struggled to cope up with math problems. In spite of her crumbled family situation, she took it as a challenge and currently she is showing a good level of improvement with the continuous interventions.
ANUSHIYA This short story is about a girl named Anushiya living in Zameendathur village. She lives with her parents and has one elder sister. Anushiya recently completed her 12 th board exams. She was pursuing her higher education at Thiruvadhoor Higher Secondary school. Anushiya is a clever young girl who seems generous and easy going. Anushiya‟s mother and father are daily wage laborers and they go for NREGA work. Her sister discontinued her studies after tenth and is engaged in some company work. Due to poor financial status of the family, Anushya is striving hard to do her under graduation course. 2
From childhood, Anushiya aspired to become a doctor. She worked hard from the beginning. She is a studious girl and scored rank one in all her classes. She was benefitted from all the extra classes and support provided by the project placed teachers in Thiruvadhoor school. Anushiya is also a regular participant for adolescent meetings at Kalanjiyam. She was sincere in her studies which helped her to achieve a good score in her 10 th board exam and availed the scholarship amount of Rs.1000/- from Kalanjiyam. Taking science and math as her core subject in 12th, Anushiya concentrated on her studies well. She was also supported with Rs. 2000 by Kalanjiyam scholarship. This was very helpful to her in continuing her studies without any interruption. Anushiya left all her worries and fully concentrated in preparing for the board exams. She had put in all her efforts and scored 965 out of 1200 in her 12 th board exams. It was a lower score than she expected and was disappointed. She convinced herself from the disappointment and now she has planned to pursue B.SC Math. Anushiya‟s mother is very supportive to her studies. She tries and contributes her best for her child‟s education. Anushiya‟s mother feels proud for her daughter that she is the first generation college goer. Anushiya‟s sister is also helpful to her in monetary terms. This had instilled a positive feel in Anushiya to continue her degree course. Despite of poor financial background, Anushiya along with her family had faced and had come up with all the hard times. “I am thankful to my mother, school and the project for being a support system and they all have played an important role in supporting for my career”. \
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PROJECT EXPENDITURE: JUNE 2015 – MAY 2016
ASHA-Stanford Rural School Strengthening Project Budget - June 2015- May 2016 Description Drawing master - we are increasing the salary for this activity since drawing master has been with the project for more than 3 years; and need to provide incentive and cost of living raise Para teacher salary and welfare (4 para-teachers)
Budget 6000 for 11 months
Expenditure 60000.00
4500 per month for 12 months
216000.00
Computer Teacher (1) After school Tuition program for two primary and one middle school 1000/ school for 11 months Four special subject teachers for Thiruvadhoor Higher Secondary School (4) , at the current salary structure as in 2014-15 (part support to school) Two Special subject school teachers for Zameen Endathur High School (2) at same salary structure as current year 2014-15 Notebooks for primary / middle school and study guides (Rs. 100 / student); and for purchase paint, colours, additional drawing and craft materials for drawing / arts class.
4500/m 1000/school for 3 schools 5000/teacher for 11 month
54000.00 27000.00
Dictionaries for students from new incoming 6th students (300) Additional Activities budget Mentoring, and Career counselling for 10th-12th students; part cost for purchase of materials, hand-outs for conducting sessions (over 10 months) Special subject teacher for Periya Vellikkadu Middle School, inclusive of transport Special Educators (2) to work with children with delays2 15,000/ for six months
200000.00
5000/teacher for 11 month
110000.00
Rs. 150 /student
78000.001
Rs. 55/ child
17000.00
2500/ per month
10000.00
6000/ per month
60000.00
90000/
0
Support for supplementary nutrition for 10th class Total expenditures Funds Received in 2015-16 12-08-2015 03-12-2015 Total fund available for 2015-16 including balance Expenditures Balance in Hand
30,000.00 8,62,000.00 426,000.00 426000.00 941,500.00 862,000.00 79,500.003
1
Includes 33,000 rupees spent for provision of additional notes books (set of three) to all students in project notebooks. 2 3
To be used in current school year
Request to start utilizing these funds towards salary for para teachers and subject teachers in June 2016 4
5
6
7
8
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