Spotlight on: Punjab Foundational Learning Policy
Young children reading together (Source: PFL Hub)
What is the goal of the Foundational Learning Policy Punjab 2024?
The Foundational Learning Policy Punjab (FLPP) aims to enhance reading and basic numeracy skills among all children enrolled in the primary grades of public schools throughout the province.
What is Foundational Learning (according to the policy)?
The Foundational Learning Policy Punjab defines the term “Foundational Learning” as the basic ability to read with comprehension, write effectively, and understand basic mathematical skills.
The policy sets separate goals for students and teachers.
Students: By the end of the academic year 2029-30, all children enrolled in public schools across Punjab will acquire foundational learning skills as specified in this Policy.
Teachers: By the end of the academic year 2029-30, all teachers in primary schools and/or the primary portion of a middle, high, or higher secondary school will be trained on the delivery of foundational learning skills.
How can this be achieved?
a. Dedicating Reading Hour in Schools
A daily ‘Happy Learning Hour’ will be designated across all schools in Punjab starting from the academic year 2025-26. For schools with multigrade teaching and learning practices, each school head will have the flexibility of scheduling the learning hour (including reading and mathematics remediation).
b. Ensuring Consistent Training for Primary School Teachers
Primary school teachers will be trained consistently on phonics, basic numeracy, and pedagogical skills. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) support will be provided by the Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Educational Development (QAED) through existing systems and structures. Language specific modules will be embedded within the existing CPD.
c. Periodic Profile Assessments Methodology
Teachers will evaluate student performance using the ‘Periodic Profile Assessment Form’. It is an alternative to standardised assessments conducted monthly and bi-weekly. The form will be developed by the Punjab Examination Commission.
d. Foundational Learning Content and Teachers Learning Materials
The Punjab Education, Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA) will review and analyse learning content and teachers’ training materials. Any gaps in the content will be addressed by PECTAA.
What are the key focus areas of the Foundational Learning Policy Punjab?
The Punjab Foundational Learning Policy has 8 pillars:
Happy Learning Hour
Training of Primary School Teachers
Foundational Learning Content and Teaching Learning Materials
Periodic Profile Assessment
Community Engagement and Public-Private Partnership
Implementation Structure and Monitoring Requirements
Oversight and Governance
School Specific Financing
What are Punjab’s Implementation Plans?
Following the notification of the Punjab Foundational Learning Policy in January 2025, implementation will be piloted in 20% of schools in six ‘lagging districts’ across the province. A baseline assessment in English, Urdu, and Mathematics has been conducted. Similarly, the Foundational Learning and Numeracy Steering Committee has been notified, and an FL Unit established in the PMIU department.
Key areas of Implementation under the Punjab Foundational Learning Policy