Sarpang Schools Shift Focus From Exam Results to Evidence-Based Learning

Sarpang’s 46th Dzongkhag Education Conference focused on evidence-based learning, school leadership, DIBELS, technology and student wellbeing.

Sarpang’s education leaders have called for a more systematic and evidence-based approach to improving student learning, with schools encouraged to move beyond reporting examination results and use data to guide interventions.

Chaired by the Chief Dzongkhag Education Officer, the 46th Sarpang Dzongkhag Education Conference was held at Chuzargang Primary School under the theme “Empowering School Leadership for Academic Excellence.”

The conference brought together school principals to discuss academic performance, school leadership, early literacy, technology and student wellbeing. Discussions also placed the role of schools within Bhutan’s wider development priorities, including the aspirations associated with King Jigme Khesar’s vision for Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).

From examination results to evidence-based action

A central focus of the conference was an analysis of the 2026 Term I results, alongside a review of academic performance in the previous year.

The discussion went beyond whether examination results had improved or declined. While assessment data can show where students are performing well or struggling, schools also need to examine the reasons behind those results.

This means identifying learning gaps, introducing targeted interventions and monitoring whether those measures lead to improvement. The approach places greater emphasis on using data to inform teaching and school-level decisions rather than treating examination results only as a measure of performance.

Setting targets while tracking individual progress

The conference examined academic target-setting at national, dzongkhag, school, subject, class and individual learner levels. Schools were encouraged to aim for results above the national mean.

At the same time, overall averages do not always show how individual students are progressing. A school may record a strong average while some learners continue to struggle. Likewise, a student may make significant progress while still remaining below the national average.

An effective target-setting system therefore needs to consider both overall academic performance and the progress of individual learners. The focus is not only on achieving a particular percentage, but also on ensuring that students have the support they need to improve.

School leadership and classroom practice

The role of principals extends beyond examination results. School leaders are also responsible for creating conditions in which teachers can collaborate, review evidence, reflect on teaching practices and respond to students’ learning needs.

The impact of the conference will ultimately depend on how its commitments are translated into practice. This includes stronger academic monitoring, targeted support for struggling learners, relevant professional development for teachers, effective use of assessment data and sustained attention to student wellbeing.

Preparing schools for a changing technological landscape

Artificial intelligence, digital transformation and professional development were also part of the conference discussions, reflecting the growing influence of technology on education.

For schools in Sarpang, the discussion has particular relevance as Gelephu Mindfulness City develops with an emphasis on innovation, technology, education and knowledge.

Preparing students for this changing environment involves more than providing access to digital tools. Schools will also need to strengthen critical thinking, creativity, ethical judgement, information literacy and the ability to use technology responsibly.

For teachers, professional development will increasingly need to consider how technology affects teaching, assessment and the relationship between educators and learners.

Strengthening foundational literacy through DIBELS

Early literacy was another focus of the conference, with school principals committing to strengthen the implementation of the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills, or DIBELS, at the school level.

The emphasis is not only on conducting assessments but also on using the results to identify literacy gaps and provide appropriate support.

Principals are expected to ensure that assessment findings are analysed, discussed with teachers and translated into practical interventions for learners who need additional assistance.

For Sarpang’s education sector, the approach places greater responsibility on schools to respond to identified learning gaps and strengthen foundational literacy as a basis for later learning.

Keeping wellbeing at the centre of education

The conference’s attention to nutrition, safe drinking water, safety, sports and student wellbeing reinforces another important point: educational success cannot be separated from human wellbeing. Bhutan’s development philosophy has long challenged the idea that progress should be measured solely through economic or material indicators.

The same principle should apply to education. A successful school should help young people become knowledgeable and capable while also developing resilience, compassion, integrity, physical wellbeing, social responsibility and a sense of belonging.

The success of the conference will not be measured by what principals promised at Chuzargang. It will be measured by what changes in classrooms, how learners improve, and the kind of human capital Sarpang’s schools help build for the Bhutan of tomorrow.