Tribal Schools Confront Learning Loss After Automatic Promotion

Many children in Toto and Birhor communities go to school and move up each year.

But some reach Classes VI and VII without being able to read simple passages or do basic sums.

The no-detention rule was created to stop children from being scared of failing and leaving school.

It helped children stay enrolled, but it did not always make sure they were learning.

These schools often have too few teachers, difficult roads and lessons in a language children do not speak at home.

Some families also move for seasonal work, causing children to miss classes.

A newer rule allows schools to keep students back after extra help and another test.

Experts say this will work only if schools also receive better teaching support and culturally appropriate lessons.