Children in Manipur have endured prolonged periods of learning loss due to frequent school closures, creating a setback for students. The economic repercussions of this education crisis are profound, necessitating urgent attention to mitigate the potential long-term impact on Manipur’s development.
Understanding the pressing need for intervention, the Manipur Government has earnestly strengthened the education system with the introduction of the System Transformation and Rejuvenation of Education (STAR) program. Guided by the School Fagathansi Mission, this initiative embodies a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the quality of education in government schools.
In its inaugural year, STAR Education has been implemented in 253 schools, impacting 24,290 students across all 16 districts of the state. The program adopts a unique approach, integrating data-driven practices, well-designed lesson plans aligned with the national curriculum, supplementary learning materials, and a steadfast emphasis on foundational skills.
Leveraging Technology for Student Benefit
Central to STAR Education’s success is its commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of both students and teachers. The program equips teachers with essential leadership skills, classroom management techniques, teaching strategies, and technical competencies. Teachers receive smartphones synchronized with digital teaching guides, facilitating easy access to daily lesson plans. District-level supervisors and tech support teams provide unwavering assistance, ensuring schools can overcome challenges effectively.
Local Contextualization and Global Benchmarking
STAR Education’s model is grounded in local contextualization and global benchmarking, ensuring a globally competitive education for Manipur’s children. Intensive fieldwork is conducted to identify learning needs, understand teacher capabilities, and align local syllabi with globally benchmarked assessment tools. This tailored approach ensures that the program meets the specific needs of Manipuri students while maintaining international standards.
Real-time Data-driven Approach
A notable aspect of STAR Education is its real-time data-driven approach. Regular surveys, including baseline, midline, and endline assessments, provide crucial insights. The midline survey conducted in January and February 2023 engaged 1,400 students from STAR Education schools and 400 students from non-STAR schools. Promising results indicate significant improvements in fluency and numeracy skills among STAR Education students, showcasing a clear advantage for schools employing STAR teaching methodologies.
Offline-online approach
In response to the unique challenges posed by the conflict and subsequent school closures, STAR Education has adapted its delivery model to continue providing education, even in relief camps. A combination of offline and online approaches ensures that learning remains uninterrupted despite internet bans. The commitment to providing 3-4 hours of joyful learning in relief camps during closures exemplifies STAR Education’s dedication to the continuity of education in the face of adversity.
Critically, STAR Education’s impact extends beyond the immediate crisis, offering a viable solution for recovery and future economic rejuvenation. The program, demonstrating significant learning gains in just 18 weeks, is committed to reversing the educational setbacks caused by prolonged closures in Government schools.
As Manipur stands resilient, STAR Education stands for the government’s commitment to bold education transformation. The program’s innovative and technology-enabled approach, coupled with skilled teachers and a commitment to data-driven practices, presents a transformative model for government schools in Manipur. It aims
