Improving Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in Uttar Pradesh

This study evaluates whether additional implementation support can strengthen the delivery of India’s national foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) mission, NIPUN Bharat, in Uttar Pradesh. The goal is to understand the current state of implementation, the potential learning gains from more effective implementation, and whether an improved model can be delivered at scale.

The intervention focuses on improving the quality of classroom instruction in line with the UP-NIPUN approach. It includes: (i) academic mentoring for teachers through classroom observation, feedback, and demonstration lessons; (ii) capacity building for teachers on pedagogical skills and effective use of UP-NIPUN academic materials; (iii) capacity building for headmasters/headteachers to conduct teacher observation and provide feedback; and (iv) assessment of student learning levels to help identify and support struggling learners. The intervention is intended to improve adherence to prescribed NIPUN practices rather than introduce additional instructional inputs.

The study will be conducted over three consecutive years in 240 government primary schools across two districts in Uttar Pradesh (Bulandshahar and Amroha), covering students in primary grades. Schools will be randomly assigned to either a treatment group (120 schools) or a control group (120 schools). Treatment schools will receive support from a dedicated NIPUN mentor, recruited, trained, and managed by Central Square Foundation in coordination with the Government of Uttar Pradesh’s education department. Control schools will continue with standard UP-NIPUN implementation without the additional mentor support.