describe the test items used and the minimum grade level for the competency as outlined in the MLL framework. As an example, the MLL for language specifies that a child in grade 1 should be able to read simple sentences and write simple 3 syllable words. A child in grade 2 should be able to read short paragraphs as well as write dictated sentences. In mathematics, a child in grade 2 should recognize numbers up to 100, be able to do two digit additions with carryover and subtractions with borrowing. The framework expects at least 80 percent of children to be able to do at least 80 percent of the competencies for the grade. The framework can be found at <u>www.education.nic.in/cd50years/r/2S/Book2S.htm.</u> Tables 4A to 4C present performance of sample children in language and math in grades 2, 3 and 4 for MP and UP at end of school year. Tables 4D and 4E present the same for grades 4-5 in language and math for Karnataka at beginning of school year. In all three states students perform similarly in treatment and control schools in the grades tested.

Given our MLL benchmark, student performance as measured by the percent correct responses on each item is low in all three grades in MP and UP and relatively higher in Karnataka. On all competencies including basic ones such as recognizing words on the language test and solving addition or subtraction on the math test, the sample of children in MP and UP perform dismally and children in Karnataka do much better. Barely 16-18 percent in MP and UP at the end of grade 4 can read a simple sentence and words compared to 47 percent in Karnataka. Of the fourth graders, 41 percent in MP, 25 percent in UP and 79 percent in Karnataka can add two-digit numbers. The percentages who can do addition and subtraction are 19 in MP, 14 in UP and 60 percent in Karnataka.

How do these numbers compare to the findings of the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) in 2005 and 2006? The ASER learning assessment surveys were conducted nation wide in India by Pratham, a non-government organization, in NovemberDecember of each year, which makes ASER 2005 closer in timing to our baseline survey than ASER 2006. ASER 2005 finds that the percentages of children in grades 2-5 in government schools who can read a simple text with short sentences are 47 in MP, 39 in UP and 50 in Karnataka. The percentages of children who can subtract are 45 in MP, 32 in UP and 41 in Karnataka. Our baseline results differ in that students in MP and UP perform worse and those in Karnataka do better compared to the ASER findings. Possible reasons for differences between results of the two surveys, conducted 2 months apart from each other, are differences in survey and testing methodologies.

# **4.3 How Much of the Entitlements Reach the Students?**

In all of the three states, children enrolled in primary grades in public schools are entitled to receive certain benefits as incentives to attend school. These are free mid day meal and free textbooks for all, free school uniform for certain students and scholarship for certain caste categories. In UP, SC/ST and OBC students are eligible for annual scholarship of Rupees 300. High caste (i.e., those in the _other_ or general caste category) students below the poverty line are also eligible for the same amount of scholarship. In MP female students in SC and ST caste categories are entitled for annual scholarship of Rupees 150.

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