NEP 2020's 360° Assessment and Holistic Report Card Initiative Exploring PARAKH and its Implications Dr. Soyhunlo Sebu Assistant Professor in Geography Regional Institute of Education-NCERT A++ Bhopal, MP
Brief Overview of the Presentation: • Today, we will delve into one of the most significant reforms brought about by the National Education Policy 2020: the emphasis on assessment and evaluation through a holistic lens. • Our focus will primarily be on PARAKH, India's first national assessment regulator, and its implications for assessment guidelines across all boards. • We'll explore the concept of holistic assessment and the implementation of holistic report cards, particularly in subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. • Through this presentation, we aim to understand the importance of holistic assessment in nurturing well-rounded learners and discuss practical examples and strategies for effective implementation. • I encourage active participation and interaction throughout the session. Your insights and questions will enrich our discussion and contribute to our collective understanding.
National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) • Key Objectives and Highlights: • NEP 2020 aims to transform the Indian education system to meet the demands of the 21st century. • It emphasizes universal access, equity, quality, and affordability across all levels of education. • NEP 2020 envisions an education system that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and holistic development among learners.
National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) • Emphasis on Assessment and Evaluation: • NEP 2020 recognizes the crucial role of assessment and evaluation in driving educational outcomes. • It advocates for a shift from rote learning to competency-based learning and assessment. • Assessment is seen as a tool for promoting holistic development and lifelong learning skills among students. • NEP 2020 highlights the need for a 360° approach to assessment, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions of learning. • The policy encourages the adoption of innovative assessment methods to gauge a student's understanding, skills, and attitudes comprehensively.
National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2021 • NAS is a large-scale survey being implemented in India to understand the student’s learning achievement vis-a-vis their contextual background. • The survey is conducted after every three years in classes 3, 5, 8, and 10 across India and in all the States/UTs. • The survey provides an overview of the quality of the education system and students’ learning levels.
• Why in News? Recently, the National Council for Education Research and Training (NCERT) has notified India’s first national assessment regulator, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), which aims to set up assessment guidelines for all boards.
ABOUT PARAKH • PARAKH has been launched as part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 that envisaged a standard-setting body to advise school boards regarding new assessment patterns and the latest research and promote collaborations between them. • It will act as a constituent unit of the NCERT. • It will also be tasked with holding periodic learning outcomes tests like the National Achievement Survey (NAS) and State Achievement Surveys. • It will work on three major assessment areas: large-scale assessments, school-based assessments, and examination reforms.
• PARAKH will work in three major assessment areas including large-scale assessments, schoolbased assessments, and examination reforms. • It will work on bringing an equivalence in the recognized school boards in India in terms of the academic standards among learners. • PARAKH will closely work with the state directorates of education, state, education boards, and international organizations, working in the area of assessment and evaluation. • Last year in September, NCERT invited expressions of interest (EoI) from international agencies to help in setting up PARAKH. • PARAKH will be responsible for conducting large-scale assessments, including the National Achievement Survey (NAS). • The center will also manage India’s participation in international assessments such as the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).
National Assessment Centre- PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) was set up in NCERT as an independent constituent unit via Notification no. 1-4/2012-EC/ 101- 164 of NCERT dated 8th Feb, 2023, to fulfill the basic objectives of setting norms, standards, guidelines and implement activities related to student assessment along with other tasks as mandated by Para 4.4.1 of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. There are four major areas of focus for PARAKH: 1. Capacity Development in Competency-Based Assessment 2. Large-Scale Achievement Survey 3. Equivalence of School Boards 4. Holistic Progress Cards for the Foundational, Preparational, Middle, and Secondary Stages.
Capacity Development in Competency Based Assessment • Project Vidyasagar – • PARAKH in collaboration with PhD Chamber of Commerce (PhDCC) is organizing a series of workshops in all the States/UTs of India for the Dissemination of Learning Competencies at Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary Levels as per the National Curriculum Framework 2023 (NCF, 2023). • This exercise aims to familiarize the teacher educators and teachers with the pedagogical and policy changes that have been introduced with the NCF 2023 to ensure that the gaps in the implementation of competency-based learningteaching are bridged.
Large-Scale Achievement Survey • PARAKH, has been mandated to organize large-scale achievement surveys to periodically monitor and assess the educational of the country. As a part of its mandate, PARAKH worked with States/UTs in conducting the State Educational Achievement Survey on November 3, 2023, assessing learners from Grades 3, 6, and 9 to gauge competencies in Foundational Literacy, Foundational Numeracy, Language, and Mathematics at the end of foundational, preparatory, and middle stages with educational blocks as the units of assessment. • Administered in 30 States/UTs, the assessment covered an approximate sample of 8 million learners. Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh conducted the assessment in December, on the 7th and 13th respectively, due to assembly elections. Including these states, the sample size increased to approximately 8.5 million.
Equivalence of School Boards • PARAKH is working with boards of school education to develop recommendations pertaining to examination reforms. Once equivalence is brought across all Boards of India, it will be possible to allocate credit points to all forms of learning, be it academic, vocational, or experiential. • Two national level workshops in the months of November and December, 2023 were conducted. In these workshops all the Boards were invited to read the report and make relevant suggestions and comments on the same. After such deliberations the Policy Recommendations for equivalence are being drafted. • Through these measures PARAKH has embarked upon a journey of setting norms, standards, guidelines, and implementing activities pertaining to student assessment in its major areas. Over the course of time, a major change in these domains is aspired.
Holistic Progress Cards for the Foundational, Preparational, Middle and Secondary Stages. • Development and Dissemination of the Holistic Progress Card for Foundational, Preparatory, Middle and Secondary stages. • 360° Holistic Progress Cards have been developed to aid assessment of Competency-Based learning-teaching by making assessments more comprehensive and holistic in nature. • PARAKH has completed the development of the Holistic Progress Cards (HPC) for the foundational, preparatory, and middle stages. Currently, efforts are underway to develop the HPC for the secondary stage to ensure competencybased and holistic assessments.
PARAKH IN NEWS:
The workshop focused on discussion on equivalence across educational boards. Multiple stakeholders were informed regarding the conception of PARAKH. The discussion revolved around the need to reassess the prevailing rote examination culture in our education system. There is a growing realization that holistic assessments, encompassing various dimensions of a student's abilities and potential, are equally important. Further, the discussion emphasized the need for well-designed and standardized question papers, ensuring fairness and consistency across schools and boards. Additionally, there is a call to strike a balance between formative and summative assessments, reducing the burden of high-stakes examinations while effectively measuring a student's progress. An analysis of examination results of secondary and higher secondary boards was also presented.
OBJECTIVE OF PARAKH • Uniform Norms & Guidelines: Setting norms, standards and guidelines for student assessment and evaluation for all recognized school boards of India. • Enhance Assessment Pattern: It will encourage and help school boards to shift their assessment patterns towards meeting the skill requirements of the 21st century. • Reduce Disparity in Evaluation: It will bring uniformity across the state and central boards which currently follow different standards of evaluation, leading to wide disparities in scores. • Benchmark Assessment: The benchmark assessment framework will seek to put an end to the emphasis on rote learning, as envisaged by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Role of PARAKH in Assessment Regulation • PARAKH plays a pivotal role in setting assessment guidelines and standards for schools and boards. • It develops frameworks for conducting assessments that focus on holistic development rather than just academic achievement. • The regulator oversees the implementation of these guidelines and monitors the quality and effectiveness of assessment practices. • PARAKH collaborates with educational institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders to promote continuous improvement in assessment methodologies. • Through its initiatives, PARAKH aims to foster a culture of assessment that supports the holistic development of learners and enhances the overall quality of education in India.
SIGNIFICANCE OF PARAKH • Removes Disparity in College Admission: It will help tackle the problem of students of some state boards being at a disadvantage during college admissions as compared to their peers in CBSE schools. • Innovative Evaluation: It will develop and implement the technical standards for the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of tests at all levels of school education. • Holistic Approach: PARAKH further aims to facilitate an inclusive, participatory, and holistic approach to education, which takes into consideration field experiences, empirical research, stakeholder feedback, as well as lessons learned from best practices.
PROGRESSIVE SHIFT THROUGH PARAKH • It is a progressive shift towards a more scientific approach to education. • The prescribed structure will help to cater to the ability of the child – stages of cognitive development as well as social and physical awareness.
Components of PARAKH: • Assessment Guidelines: PARAKH develops comprehensive guidelines for conducting assessments at various levels of education, ensuring alignment with the objectives of NEP 2020. • Assessment Criteria: It defines clear and transparent criteria for assessing students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes across different subjects and domains. • Holistic Approach: PARAKH emphasizes a holistic approach to assessment, considering cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions of learning. • Standardization: The framework aims to standardize assessment practices across different educational boards, ensuring consistency and reliability in evaluation. • Continuous Monitoring: PARAKH continuously monitors and evaluates the implementation of assessment guidelines, making necessary revisions and improvements as required.
How PARAKH Works: • Development of Guidelines: PARAKH collaborates with experts in the field of education to develop assessment guidelines that are aligned with the principles of NEP 2020. • Dissemination and Training: Once developed, PARAKH disseminates the guidelines to educational institutions and conducts training programs for teachers and administrators to ensure effective implementation. • Assessment Design: PARAKH assists educational boards and schools in designing assessment tools and methodologies that promote holistic development and competencybased learning. • Monitoring and Evaluation: PARAKH monitors the assessment processes regularly to ensure adherence to the guidelines and standards set forth. It evaluates the effectiveness of assessment practices and provides feedback for improvement. • Research and Innovation: PARAKH encourages research and innovation in assessment practices, exploring new methodologies and technologies to enhance the quality and relevance of assessments in Indian education. • Collaboration and Feedback: PARAKH collaborates with stakeholders, including educational institutions, policymakers, and parents, to gather feedback and insights for refining its framework and improving assessment practices nationwide.
Importance of Holistic Assessment • Holistic assessment is an approach to evaluation that considers multiple dimensions of learning and development, including cognitive, emotional, social, and physical aspects. • Unlike traditional assessments that focus solely on academic achievement, holistic assessment aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a learner's strengths, challenges, and overall growth.
Significance in Educational Context: • Nurturing Well-Rounded Individuals: Holistic assessment acknowledges that learners are more than just test scores. By considering various aspects of development, it fosters the cultivation of well-rounded individuals who are equipped with a diverse set of skills and competencies. • Addressing Diverse Needs: Every learner has unique strengths, interests, and learning styles. Holistic assessment recognizes this diversity and allows for personalized evaluation methods that cater to individual needs and preferences. • Promoting Lifelong Learning: Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's also about developing the skills and attitudes needed for lifelong learning and success. Holistic assessment encourages the development of critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills that are essential for thriving in the 21st century. • Enhancing Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation: By examining various aspects of their learning and development, holistic assessment helps learners gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their strengths, and areas for growth. This self-awareness fosters self-regulation and empowers learners to take ownership of their learning journey.
• Supporting Holistic Development: In today's complex and interconnected world, success goes beyond academic excellence. Holistic assessment supports the holistic development of learners by recognizing and valuing their socioemotional well-being, creativity, leadership qualities, and ethical values. • Aligning with 21st Century Skills: The demands of the 21st century workplace require individuals to possess not only academic knowledge but also a range of transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration. Holistic assessment prepares learners for these challenges by assessing and nurturing these essential skills alongside academic achievement. • Fostering Equity and Inclusion: Holistic assessment promotes a more inclusive and equitable educational environment by valuing and recognizing the diverse strengths and contributions of all learners, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities. It helps address biases and stereotypes that may exist in traditional assessment practices and ensures that every learner has the opportunity to succeed. • Ultimately, holistic assessment contributes to the creation of an educational ecosystem that is learner-centered, inclusive, and geared towards fostering the holistic development and well-being of every individual. Contd…
Holistic Report Card • Understanding the Concept: • A holistic report card is a comprehensive assessment tool that provides a multidimensional view of a student's progress and development. • Unlike traditional report cards that primarily focus on academic grades, a holistic report card incorporates a broader range of indicators, including academic achievement, socio-emotional skills, personal qualities, and behavior. • It aims to provide a more complete picture of a student's strengths, challenges, and overall growth, thereby supporting informed decision-making by educators, students, and parents.
Implementation in Indian Education System: • In the Indian education system, the implementation of holistic report cards aligns with the goals and principles outlined in the National Education Policy 2020. • The emphasis on holistic development and competency-based learning in NEP 2020 underscores the importance of adopting assessment practices that go beyond academic achievement. • Various educational boards and institutions across the country have started incorporating elements of holistic assessment into their evaluation frameworks. • Holistic report cards are being designed to assess not only academic performance but also skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and social-emotional learning.
Contd… • The implementation of holistic report cards requires collaboration between policymakers, educators, parents, and students to ensure that assessment practices are fair, transparent, and aligned with the goals of education reform. • Training programs and capacity-building initiatives are being conducted to familiarize teachers and school administrators with the concept of holistic assessment and support them in effectively implementing it in their schools. • As the implementation of holistic report cards gains momentum, it is expected to contribute to the creation of a more learner-centered, inclusive, and equitable education system that nurtures the holistic development of every student.
Why is a 360° Holistic Report Card Needed? • Shift in educational goals: Discuss how traditional assessment methods often focus solely on academic achievement, overlooking other important aspects of student growth such as socio-emotional skills, creativity, critical thinking, and values. • Aligning with NEP 2020: Explain that the 360-degree holistic report card aligns with the goals and principles outlined in NEP 2020, which emphasizes the holistic development of learners and the need for more inclusive and equitable assessment practices.
Holistic Assessment Guidelines • Overview of Assessment Guidelines by PARAKH: • PARAKH has developed comprehensive assessment guidelines aimed at promoting holistic assessment practices in the Indian education system. • These guidelines outline the principles, standards, and best practices for conducting assessments that focus on the holistic development of learners. • They provide clear criteria and benchmarks for assessing students' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values across various subjects and domains. • The guidelines emphasize the use of diverse assessment methods and tools that cater to the diverse needs and abilities of learners. • PARAKH's assessment guidelines are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for customization to suit the context and requirements of different educational institutions and boards.
Importance of Adherence: • Adherence to PARAKH's assessment guidelines is crucial for ensuring consistency, fairness, and reliability in assessment practices across all educational boards and institutions. • By adhering to these guidelines, educators can ensure that assessments are aligned with the objectives of NEP 2020 and promote holistic development among students. • Consistent adherence to assessment guidelines helps in building trust and confidence among stakeholders, including students, parents, educators, and policymakers, in the assessment process. • It facilitates the comparison and benchmarking of student performance across different schools, boards, and regions, thereby promoting accountability and transparency in the education system. • Adherence to assessment guidelines also supports the professional development of educators by providing them with clear standards and benchmarks for assessment practices. • Ultimately, adherence to PARAKH's assessment guidelines contributes to the creation of a more equitable, inclusive, and learner-centered education system that fosters the holistic development of every student.
Benefits of Holistic Report Card • Improved Student Evaluation: • Holistic report cards provide a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of student performance compared to traditional grading systems. • By incorporating a wide range of indicators, including academic achievement, skills, attitudes, and behaviors, they offer a more nuanced understanding of students' strengths and areas for improvement. • This comprehensive evaluation enables educators to provide targeted support and interventions to meet the individual needs of students, thereby fostering their academic growth and personal development. • Moreover, holistic report cards facilitate more meaningful and constructive feedback for students, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and strive for continuous improvement.
Encouraging Holistic Development: • Holistic report cards prioritize the holistic development of students by recognizing and valuing a diverse range of skills, competencies, and qualities beyond academic performance. • They highlight the importance of socio-emotional skills, creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and ethical values, which are essential for success in the 21st century. • By acknowledging and celebrating students' achievements and progress in various domains, holistic report cards promote a positive and inclusive school culture that values the unique strengths and contributions of every individual. • Furthermore, holistic report cards encourage a shift from a culture of competition to one of collaboration and cooperation among students, fostering a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. • Ultimately, the emphasis on holistic development in report cards reflects a broader shift in educational paradigms towards nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
How to Make a 360° Holistic Report Card? • Assessment Criteria: Various criteria and components can be included in a holistic report card, such as academic achievement, socio-emotional skills, creativity, critical thinking, values, and personal qualities. • Multiple Assessment Methods: The importance of using diverse assessment methods and tools, including observation, projects, portfolios, presentations, selfassessment, and peer assessment, to gather comprehensive data about students' learning and development. • Collaboration: The importance of collaboration among teachers, students, and parents in designing and implementing the holistic report card, ensuring that it reflects the perspectives and values of all stakeholders.
What to Consider When Making a 360°Holistic Report Card? • Alignment with Learning Objectives: The importance of aligning the assessment criteria with the learning objectives and outcomes outlined in the curriculum, ensuring that the report card reflects the key competencies and skills students are expected to develop. • Fairness and Equity: Need to ensure fairness and equity in assessment practices, taking into account students' diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and abilities. • Transparency: The importance of transparency in assessment processes, including clear communication about the criteria, methods, and purposes of assessment, as well as providing feedback and support to students.
How Will a 360° Holistic Report Card Help in Learning and Development? • Comprehensive Understanding: A holistic report card provides a more comprehensive understanding of students' strengths, challenges, and progress, allowing educators to tailor instruction and support to meet individual needs. • Encouraging Holistic Development: The report card promotes holistic development by recognizing and valuing students' diverse talents, interests, and qualities beyond academic achievement. • Empowering Students: The report card empowers students to take ownership of their learning and development, fostering self-awareness, self-regulation, and a growth mindset.
UNDERSTAND HOW TO FILL THE HPCS AND THE FORMAT https://ncert.nic.in/parakh/hpc.php?ln=en
Implementation Challenges
Identifying and Addressing Challenges • Resistance to Change: Many educators and stakeholders may be resistant to change, particularly if they are accustomed to traditional assessment practices. Addressing this resistance requires effective communication, professional development, and demonstration of the benefits of holistic assessment. • Lack of Awareness and Understanding: There may be a lack of awareness and understanding about the concept of holistic assessment among educators, students, parents, and policymakers. Educating stakeholders about the principles, goals, and methods of holistic assessment is essential for successful implementation. • Resource Constraints: Limited resources, including time, funding, and infrastructure, can pose significant challenges to implementing holistic assessment effectively. Strategies such as prioritizing key areas, leveraging existing resources, and seeking external support can help mitigate these constraints.
Identifying and Addressing Challenges Contd… • Capacity Building: Many educators may require additional training and support to implement holistic assessment practices effectively. Providing ongoing professional development opportunities, mentoring, and peer learning can build educators' capacity and confidence in implementing holistic assessment. • Alignment with Curriculum and Standards: Ensuring alignment between holistic assessment practices and curriculum objectives, standards, and learning outcomes is essential for validity and reliability. Close collaboration between curriculum developers, assessment experts, and educators can help ensure this alignment. • Cultural and Contextual Considerations: Cultural norms, values, and contextual factors may influence the design and implementation of holistic assessment practices. Recognizing and respecting cultural diversity, local contexts, and learner needs is essential for ensuring relevance and inclusivity.
Strategies for Overcoming Challenges • Promote Stakeholder Engagement and Ownership: Involve stakeholders, including educators, students, parents, and policymakers, in the decision-making process and implementation of holistic assessment practices. Engage them in dialogue, solicit feedback, and encourage active participation to foster a sense of ownership and commitment. • Provide Comprehensive Training and Support: Offer comprehensive training and professional development opportunities to educators to build their capacity in designing, implementing, and evaluating holistic assessment practices. Provide ongoing support, resources, and mentoring to help educators navigate challenges and refine their practices. • Foster a Culture of Collaboration and Continuous Improvement: Foster a collaborative culture where educators collaborate with each other, share best practices, and learn from each other's experiences. Encourage a mindset of continuous improvement, reflection, and innovation in assessment practices to adapt to changing needs and contexts.
Strategies for Overcoming Challenges Contd… • Advocate for Policy Support and Resource Allocation: Advocate for policy support and resource allocation to support the implementation of holistic assessment practices. Lobby for policy reforms, funding initiatives, and resource allocations that prioritize assessment literacy, professional development, and infrastructure support for holistic assessment. • Monitor and Evaluate Implementation: Regularly monitor and evaluate the implementation of holistic assessment practices to identify challenges, measure progress, and assess impact. Use feedback mechanisms, data analysis, and evaluation frameworks to inform decision-making, refine strategies, and improve implementation over time. • Celebrate Successes and Share Learning: Celebrate successes, showcase exemplary practices, and share learning widely within and across educational communities. Recognize and celebrate educators, schools, and districts that demonstrate effective implementation of holistic assessment practices to inspire others and build momentum for change.
Mathematics Assessment Criteria and Components Academic Achievement Skills Assessment Qualitative Feedback
Academic Achievement • Mastery of Mathematical Concepts • ProblemSolving Skills • Computational Skills • Data Analysis and Interpretation Skills Assessment • Critical Thinking • Communicati on Skills • Collaboration • Creativity Qualitative Feedback • Strengths and Areas for Improvement • Suggestions for Further Exploration • Effort and Attitude
Science Assessment Criteria and Components Academic Achievement Skills Assessment Qualitative Feedback
Academic Achievement • Understandin g of Scientific Concepts • Inquiry and Investigation Skills • Application of Scientific Knowledge • Integration of CrossCurricular Connections Skills Assessment • Scientific Inquiry • ProblemSolving • Collaboration and Communication • Ethical and Responsible Conduct Qualitative Feedback • Strengths and Areas for Improvement • Suggestions for Further Exploration • Recognition of Effort and Engagement
Social Science Assessment Criteria and Components Academic Achievement Skills Assessment Qualitative Feedback