The results of the Indonesian Student Competency Assessment (AKSI) of the Ministry of Education and Culture in 2016, showed that 46.83% of 4th grade elementary school students were classified as less able to read. AKSI also found a major problem in increasing the average reading ability of 4th grade elementary school students in North Kalimantan (Kaltara) which was two points below the national average. INOVASI’s exploration of the results of AKSI in Kaltara through the RPSA activity found that one of the main problems in improving children’s reading skills was the absence of interesting reading books. RPSA recommends the need to provide interesting books and reading time with teacher guidance. The RPSA recommendation was strengthened by the SIPPI result which found that 85% of early grade students liked to read books. However, most stated that the books they read were textbooks, and only a small proportion read story books and other books.
In North Kalimantan, the implementation of the Innovation for Indonesian School Children (INOVASI) program which took place in Bulungan and Malinau districts has three main focuses on improving literacy skills in early grades. The first is to develop teacher competence; second is to cultivate reading; and third is to provide special services to children who are slow learners.
The study on the availability and access of relevant reading books for early grade students was conducted based on the findings of the RPSA, SIPPI regarding students’ reading interest, and the program baseline study.
Find the infographic through the download button below. Only available in Bahasa Indonesia.