Vision
The vision is to aid in converting weak literates to functional readers using existing resources. Eye-tracking studies have demonstrated that SLS gives automatic reading practice to weak-reading viewers. The evidence from pilot studies of SLS implementation on TV in eight Indian languages (Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada & Punjabi) is strong. Regular SLS exposure results in steadily improving reading skills among all viewers: children in and out of school, youth, and adults. A billion viewers in India watch four hours of TV every day, and will do so for life. Reading practice from SLS is incredibly cost-effective and scalable.
Mission
In 2019, after 2+ decades of evidence-based-policy-making, SLS became a part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s (MIB) Accessibility Standards, under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.[1] Half the entertainment content on TV, in every language, state, and channel, is required to carry SLS by 2025. The international acceptance of SLS is growing. With the support of Co-Impact, IIM Ahmedabad, MIT Open Learning and J-PAL South Asia, we are actively looking to partner with state governments to scale up SLS on TV in the state language. The partnership aims to raise the reading literacy skills of the state’s population.
Goals
- Scaling up SLS for a 3-5 year project period on state and private TV channels.
- Agreeing on a matching funding mechanism for the project period while putting in place a long term sustainability strategy.
- Conducting an independent impact study.