Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Policy 2024-30
Young students enjoying collective learning (Source: PFL Hub)
What is the goal of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Foundational Learning Policy?
By 2030, every child in the province will attain foundational literacy and numeracy skills by the end of grade 3.
What is Foundational Learning (according to the policy)?
According to the policy, Foundational Learning refers to:
Basic literacy and numeracy skills
Transferable skills, such as socio-emotional development
The essential building blocks for lifelong learning and cognitive development
Aims of the Foundational Learning Policy
The policy aims to ensure that all children enrolled in schools across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa acquire foundational learning skills. Based on the National Curriculum of Pakistan (2022-2023) for English, Urdu, and Mathematics, the policy outlines key competencies that every student must achieve to strengthen early learning.
How will this be achieved?
The policy takes a comprehensive approach to achieving 100% foundational literacy and numeracy in all schools across the province. Key focus areas include:
1. Provision of teaching and learning materials and training to teachers
Training teachers in FLN: The policy aims to phase out multi-grade teaching by hiring dedicated grade-wise teachers and ECE-trained educators.
Pre-Service & In-Service Training: Foundational literacy concepts will be integrated into teacher training programs.
Ongoing Teaching Support: School-based mentoring and coaching will enhance teachers’ professional development.
Research-Based Improvements: Continuous research will guide future policy planning, curriculum development, and teacher training programs.
2. Dedicating more time for reading and maths at primary level
Research shows that children in Pakistan spend only 40 minutes per day on language studies, with reading as just one component (World Bank, 2023).
The policy mandates one hour of reading daily in primary schools and two foundational math periods per week to strengthen numeracy skills.
3. Remediation at middle and high school level
Studies indicate that over 50% of students in each grade are behind their expected proficiency levels. The policy introduces remediation camps in middle and high schools to support struggling students. Regular assessments will be conducted to identify students needing support using diagnostic tools that pinpoint specific weaknesses (e.g., decoding, comprehension, arithmetic). Teachers will be trained in evidence-based remediation techniques, accommodating students with disabilities and language barriers.
4. Development of Reading and Numeracy Assessments and Examination
A dedicated Assessment Framework will include oral and written assessments for English, Urdu, and Mathematics.
The policy recommends the use of internationally recognized tools such as:
Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA)
Early Grade Mathematics Assessment (EGMA)
Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)
What key areas does the policy cover?
Pillars of the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Policy
The Khyber Pukhtankhwa Foundational Learning Policy has 6 pillars:
Alignment of FLN with the National Curriculum
Teacher Education and Training
Assessment of Students
Monitoring and Evaluation
Community Engagement
Administrative and Financial Support
What are Khyber Pukhtankhwa’s Implementation plans?
Following the notification of the KP Foundational Learning Policy in November 2024, implementation will be piloted in 20% of schools in six ‘lagging districts’ across the province. The policy set an FLN benchmark and identified 101 SLOs for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy. Additionally, various departments have been assigned to review materials related to foundational learning. Finally, the KP government has notified the establishment of a Provincial Steering Committee and an FLN Unit.
Key areas of implementation under the KP Foundational Learning Policy