Learning in Public Schools

Abstract

An analysis of the variations present in the quality of schools within Punjab and the need to address inherent weaknesses in the CPD framework.

The objective of this study is to determine the quality of education within the province of Punjab by analyzing test scores and interpreting them through statistical analysis. The report also highlights the recent Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program initiated by the authorities and aims to establish the potential impact that the program can have on student’s achievement by undertaking a survey of schools in the district of Jhelum. Data from Punjab Examination Commission (PEC) exam and EMIS is analyzed through statistical tools including mean, variance decomposition and regression analysis that reveals that there considerable variations within the quality of schools in Punjab with greater variations noted in individual schools as opposed to districts as a whole. School factors and inputs have a positive impact on quality of education with low teacher student ratio and better facilities contributing significantly towards higher performance of students.

The results of the survey indicate that teacher to student ratio is significantly high whereas schools lack basic physical infrastructure. The report concludes that the CPD framework has several inherent weaknesses such as lack of proper communication channels and discretion given to teachers in showing interest in the training program. The CPD program is not funded appropriately and focus is also placed on delivering lesson effectively as opposed to enhancing the skills and knowledge of the teachers.

Publishing Year: 2012

Attached File:

Andrabi et al_Learning in public schools_Final_0.pdf - Download