School effectiveness concerning the schools with foundational and preparatory stages in Arunachal Pradesh

The study focused on finding out the effectiveness of schools having Foundational and Preparatory stages in the district of Upper Siang, Arunachal Pradesh in terms of physical facilities, electricity, library, mid-day meal facility, and sanitation. 22 schools with foundational and preparatory stages were visited and observed besides, the interviews with the headteachers. Findings revealed that all the schools had separate classrooms for each grade with sufficient benches and desks. 90.90% of the schools had noise pollution-free locations, Principals’ offices, and staff rooms. Not many schools have facilities for a science laboratory, language laboratory, administrative office, sports room, canteen, auditorium, art and craft room, and indoor games facility. Concerning electricity, all the schools claimed to have electric facilities and the availability of bulbs in each room. About 54.54% of schools claimed that they have library facilities but not all these schools have a librarian to maintain the same. Very few had periodicals kept in their library, had separate reading periods in regular timetables, and kept their library open for the whole day. The schools are not performing well in terms of providing first aid facilities. Very few schools had separate sick room facilities and beds available. More than 50% of the schools do not keep the First Aid box at their school. Only a few schools maintain the health cards of students and keep the provision of regular visits to doctors at the school. Regarding sanitation, schools in the district had toilets located in the safe place. Mostly claimed that they have access to clean drinking water facilities, clean and hygienic, and separate toilet rooms for boys and girls. According to the responses recorded it was found that the mid-day meal scheme is implemented in the government schools in the district but mid-day meals are not served every day. However, some of these schools have a prepared menu and serve freshly cooked meals to the children.