Baseline Assessments

What comes to your mind when you read the word 'Baseline assessment'? Any first thoughts?

Is it something to do with understanding the basic levels? 

YEAH! YOU GOT THAT RIGHT :D!

Baseline Assessments are assessments that are done in the beginning of the Programme to understand the starting levels of children. They are designed as simple activities that will be conducted in the classroom to understand the competency level of the child. At this step, you want to ensure that all the data is collected and put it in the tools provided. You play an instrumental role in using this data to drive instruction as well as help us understand if the pilot is successful or not!

This isn’t just about filling out a form or testing children — it’s about building trust, understanding where your kids are starting from, and setting them up for a year of meaningful growth. 🌱

As a volunteer, your role is powerful — you are the bridge between where a child is today and what they can achieve tomorrow. That journey starts with the Baseline Assessment.

At MAD, we believe meaningful learning starts with truly understanding where each child is. That’s why we use three powerful assessment tools — each with a different lens — to build a complete picture of every child’s learning journey. As a volunteer, you play a crucial role in this process.

1. ASER: Foundational Skills Check

What it checks:
Can the child read simple texts and perform basic math operations?

Why it matters:

This quick diagnostic tells us whether the child has the foundational literacy and numeracy skills needed to build further learning. Without these, they can't access grade-level content.How it helps you:
You’ll know right away if a child needs urgent foundational support — allowing you to teach smarter from day one.

2. MAD Staggered Assessment: True Learning Level

What it checks:
Where is the child really in Reading Comprehension, Writing, Grammar, and Math — regardless of their school grade? How does the child perceive and demonstrate life skills?

Why it matters:
Many children in MAD programs don’t match school-grade expectations. This assessment helps us understand their actual working level, so we can design sessions that are appropriately challenging and supportive.

How it helps you:
You’ll be able to group students smartly, set realistic goals, and measure meaningful progress over time.

3. EIV Benchmark Assessment: Grade-Level Lens

What it checks:
How does the child perform on grade-level academic standards? 

Why it matters:
This tool adds a complementary perspective to our approach. While we tailor teaching based on actual levels, understanding how children compare with grade-level benchmarks helps us:
- Spot learning gaps that may be missed otherwise
- Track how students grow over time toward formal academic goals
- Strengthen our own planning and program decisions

How it helps you:
You’ll get a broader view of your child’s learning journey — from where they are to where they can go — and how your support fits into the long arc of their progress.

Why All Three?

These assessments aren’t just data points — they’re windows into your child’s world. When you take the time to understand where they are, you become a more powerful mentor and changemaker. We’re grateful for the role you play in helping our children rise.