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The foundational math skills of Indian children

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  • de Barros, Andreas
  • Ganimian, Alejandro J.

Abstract

We leverage data on learning for 101,084 public-school students in grades 4, 6, and 8 across 19 Indian states to diagnose their mathematic skills. These data allow us to diagnose their achievement on less frequently assessed skills. We use a novel approach to estimate the share of students who can meet fourth-grade standards. We find that the foundational skills of children are even lower than previously documented: 52% mastered frequently assessed skills, but only 27% mastered typically unassessed skills. These children also make less progress than believed. Gender gaps in these skills emerge between grades 4 and 6 and persist.

Suggested Citation

  • de Barros, Andreas & Ganimian, Alejandro J., 2023. "The foundational math skills of Indian children," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:92:y:2023:i:c:s0272775722001091
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2022.102336
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Foundational skills; Gender; India; Learning crisis; Mathematics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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