A Strategy for Upgrading Primary Education in Pakistan.

Overview & Synopsis

Upgrading education requires a systematic effort to resolve its problems, expand its impact, and improve its quality by (1) acquiring commitment, (2) determining the present status, (3) setting goals and establishing a plan, (4) executing the plan, and (5) monitoring and evaluating progress. In Pakistan, a national commitment is needed to solve the problems of primary education. In all districts, school mapping and current pupil participation studies should be conducted followed by a planning exercise to provide guidelines and a sequence for completion of specific school projects. This would culminate in a national plan for the systematic development of primary education. Evaluation (via the Gross Product of Education) of the goals for primary education should be considered in the context of total education development. Spending more money will not provide measurable improvements in pupil attendance, but solutions to educational problems can be provided through empirical research such as that conducted in 1976-77 in the areas of female education and pupil attendance, participatory planning, village attitudes and environments, education management and supervision, learning environments, teacher personnel, and school buildings. Future research in these areas should focus on how best to channel resources to fulfill district plans, adult education, school health programs, and the more effective use of staff. (SB)