Leh, Apr 08: With a focus on strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy assessments through technology-enabled data collection and intensive field training, a two-day training-cum-workshop for the Foundational Learning Study (FLS) 2026 concluded at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Leh on Tuesday. The programme marked a preparatory step towards conducting large-scale learning assessments across Ladakh, with participants equipped through hands-on exercises and digital tools.
The workshop brought together district-level coordinators and field investigators from across the Union Territory, aiming to enhance their capacity to undertake systematic, reliable and scalable learning assessments. Officials underlined that the exercise assumes importance in the context of improving early grade learning outcomes and aligning interventions with evidence-based findings.
The inaugural session on April 6 was attended by senior education officials, including Joint Director School Education, UT Ladakh, Zakir Hussain, along with other dignitaries. The session opened with a formal welcome and felicitation, reflecting local cultural traditions.
In his address, the Principal of DIET Leh highlighted the centrality of the Foundational Learning Study in informing policy and planning, noting that the credibility of such exercises rests on the preparedness of field investigators. He also acknowledged the academic guidance of Prof. Indrani Bhaduri, Chief Executive Officer of PARAKH and Head of the Educational Survey Division at the National Council of Educational Research and Training, for strengthening the programme’s academic framework.
A key component of the inaugural session was the distribution of tablets to participants, signalling a transition towards digital modes of data collection. The initiative is expected to streamline field operations, reduce manual errors and improve the overall efficiency of assessment processes.
An overview of FLS 2026, including its objectives, sampling design and methodology, was presented, followed by a series of technical sessions on assessment frameworks, survey protocols and the use of digital devices.
The second day of the workshop centred on practical application and consolidation. Participants undertook simulation exercises based on established assessment templates, enabling them to gain clarity on field procedures, tool usage and data recording techniques. Officials said the hands-on training was intended to ensure uniformity in implementation and minimise discrepancies during actual fieldwork.
Discussions also revisited key concepts from the previous day, allowing participants to address operational challenges and refine their understanding of survey methodologies.
The concluding session saw organisers reviewing the outcomes of the training and outlining the roadmap for the forthcoming assessment. Officials observed that the deployment of experienced resource persons had strengthened the training process, making it a comprehensive preparatory exercise for both districts of Ladakh.
The workshop concluded with a formal vote of thanks, with organisers expressing confidence that the trained personnel would be able to execute the Foundational Learning Study 2026 with accuracy and consistency.
The study is part of ongoing efforts to assess foundational learning levels among school students and to generate data that can guide targeted interventions in the education sector across the Union Territory.
