FDE issues guidelines to mitigate students loss during pandemic.

ISLAMABAD -- Under the directions of Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has made remedial strategies for the implementation of a program to support schools and students to overcome academic losses incurred during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

According to a notification, Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has directed all schools and colleges in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to counter the impact of COVID-19 on academic progress of children in schools "Supporting Students to overcome academic losses.

FDE has directed the ICT educational institutions to devise a two stage approach - A short term approach to support children appearing for exams, especially board exams in August 2021. And a long term approach for the next two-three years to help children overcome the learning losses accrued due to shortened academic preparation in schools, the notification available with reporter mentioned.

As the loss may continue to impact children's learning in the next grades, so as per short term approach for Academic year 2020-2021, the schools are directed to identify at-risk children through classroom observation and assessment, especially in subjects that require a conceptual continuity.

They should identify a zero period in the morning or after school ends" to support the cohort of students that need extra support. Alternatively school can also identify a time slot on Sunday for students with severe learning losses.

The schools with computer labs should use the free learning material available through digital portals to assist children's learning in case there is teacher shortage for remedial classes.

FDE also directed to sort students into learning level groups-for example students struggling with basics of a concept of language or mathematics can be in one group regardless of grade level.

As per Long-Term approach of FDE for Academic years 2021, 2022 and 2023, the summer vacations are to be utilized as much as possible to support students transition to the next grades to overcome learning losses.

The ICT educational institutions are asked to introduce a structured remedial and support program in the...