The government has launched a six-month plan to enhance and assess the quality of primary education across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, by using specialised “assessment tools” at government primary schools starting July 1.
The tools will evaluate students’ learning progress in grades 3 to 5, along with school attendance, teaching methods, and the surrounding school environment.
Findings will help identify the real picture of primary education and inform future policy decisions for improving learning outcomes.
Primary education officials said data gathered will be reviewed for practical initiatives to strengthen the foundation of primary schooling. District Commissioners, Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), and Divisional Commissioners will oversee implementation in their respective areas.
“Using these tools will help identify students who need extra support,” officials noted, adding that education officials at the local level will work to improve underperforming students’ outcomes.
A letter signed by Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, NDC, director (Policy & Operations) of the Directorate of Primary Education, outlined that third to fifth graders will have their Bangla, English, and math skills tested.
Subject-specific teaching strategies will be developed to support students at different learning levels.
Headteachers and assistant teachers will conduct assessments from July 1 to August, then implement focused plans to close learning gaps from July 24 to August 31.
Schools will reassess 25% of students, with progress reviews conducted for 10% of them.
Every school will assess one subject per class per day until July 15, with additional days scheduled for larger schools. Normal classes will continue alongside assessments.
Md. Kamrul Hasan, Joint Secretary of the Directorate of Primary Education, told BSS that the plan aims to uplift students across all schools.
“We want every school—whether top-performing or struggling—to see improvements in learning standards,” he said. “We believe these tools will help bridge existing learning gaps,” he added.