The Pupil-Teacher Ratio is Very Poor in State

HYDERABAD: Government schools in the state are lagging far behind in meeting the norms set by the Right to Education (RTE) Act. As per the annual status of education report ASER (Assessment Survey Evaluation Research) 2011, 43.6 percent of the schools with classes up to VIII do not have the required Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR). ASER reached 642 schools to collect data on the standards of education imparted to children in 22 districts in Andhra Pradesh, excluding the state capital.According to ASER’s 2010 report, 38.3 schools did not meet the Pupil-Teacher Ratio in the state, but the number has grown to 43.6 percent now.The report revealed many startling facts regarding education in state schools. About 33.5 percent of the schools do not meet the Teacher- Classroom Ratio, which is far above the national average of 26 percent. The survey shows a very high dropout rate in the 15-16 age group. More than 20 percent of the children are dropping out at 15 years.