Declining learning levels, signs of worry: Study

Comparison of scores in math tests shows that that learning levels have declined by 14 per cent in 12-year-olds in 2013 compared to children of the same age in 2006 in former united Andhra Pradesh, according to a study.

Young Lives Study, an international study of childhood poverty, comprised a sample size of 3000 children divided into two age-groups, a younger cohort of 2,000 children, aged between 6 and 18 months and an older cohort of 1,000 children aged between 7.5 and 8.5 years. It was carried out in the former united Andhra Pradesh before its bifurcation in June 2014.

The study indicates that learnings standards since 2006 have fallen, with only half the children able to answer math questions correctly, compared with two-thirds of children in 2006, which is a matter of worry, says the study.

However, there is something to cheer about too as the study states that enrollment in India is now almost universal and only 3 per cent of children are not attending school at age 12. "This improvement in access to elementary-level education has particularly benefited girls and scheduled caste children," the study says.

Further, Young Lives data reveal that the food intake of poor children is changing. "Children are eating fewer pulses, legumes and nuts. Less than 20 per cent of the children were regularly eating meat, fish and eggs," the study says.

However, inter-cohort analysis reveals a decline of 6 per cent points in stunting among 12-year-olds in 2013 compared to 2006.