New Delhi: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and CARE India in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) organized a national reading conference today in New Delhi to highlight seven effective ways to improve reading levels in India’s schools. Mr. Anil Swarup, Secretary, MHRD, was present.

The conference focused on integrating seven key early language and literacy principles in classrooms across India. The seven principles are based on findings of a 2016 Position Paper commissioned by CARE India and USAID, titled “Early Language and Literacy in India.” The key principles identified are: (1) link oral language to literacy; (2) emphasize independent writing and drawing as forms of expression; (3) develop multilingual capacities; (4) focus on a comprehensive model of instruction; (5) consider literacy instruction as a socio-culturally and socio-politically embedded set of practices; (6) use a gradual release of responsibility model of literacy; and (7) use good literature to form an integral fabric of classroom pedagogy.

More than 100 people including representatives from the Government of India, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs), NGOs, corporate partners, and academia research organizations participated in the conference.

Highlighting the importance of putting the seven key principles into practice, Mark White, USAID Mission Director to India, added: “USAID strongly believes that reading is not only the foundation for basic literacy, it can greatly increase the number of economic opportunities available. In fact, studies indicate that earnings increase by 10 percent with each additional year of schooling. These seven principles that came out of the position paper can help teachers in day-to-day classroom activities. They can help government officials make policies geared towards improving the quality of education for all students in India.”

The participants also walked through a Reading Haat set up like an open-air marketplace with interactive exhibits showcasing the work of select organizations in early literacy. The displays demonstrated reading practices based on the seven principles, which have been successful in influencing reading levels of children from marginalized communities.

During the second half of the day, the practitioners also participated in a panel discussion to identify solutions for the MHRD’s early learning program for children. The panel discussion included experts and government officials who considered strategies to mainstream these principles and best practices across the education system.

Following the event, a select group will develop key recommendations for educational policy and practice, clearly articulating the areas of focus and requisite resources needed to positively impact early language and literacy programming for the most marginalized in the country.