Briefs

The Learning at Scale study aimed to investigate factors contributing to successful improvements in learning outcomes at scale in eight of the most effective large-scale education programs in LMICs (see the map of programs on the last page of this brief). These programs were selected based on their demonstrated gains in reading outcomes at-scale, from either midline or endline impact evaluations. The study addressed three overarching research questions, focused on understanding the components of instructional practices (Brief 1), instructional supports (Brief 2), and system supports (Brief 3) that lead to effective instruction. This brief focuses specifically on instructional practices. It addresses the following research question: What classroom ingredients (e.g., teaching practices, classroom environment) lead to learning in programs that are effective at scale?

ACR–Philippines falls under All Children Reading–Asia, a broader program implemented by RTI International across multiple countries in the Asia Region. The activities directly contribute to USAID’s education goal to improve early grade reading (EGR) skills for 100 million children worldwide. There are two main areas of activity in support of the overall goals and objectives: EGR instruction and assessment in support of mother-tongue based multilingual education (MTB-MLE), and the use of educational technologies to support improved instruction in early grade reading, especially during school closures. Key achievements and activities through July 2021 are summarized in these briefs--one broad and one specific to the COVID-19 response.

The Remote Learning Study was conducted during the 2020–2021 school year to investigate how mother-tongue-based multilingual education reading instruction proceeded in 20 schools around the country while classrooms were closed. The school head, 2 teachers, and 4 home learning partners from each school in Grades 1 and 3 were interviewed to gain insights on school administration, teaching and learning, and the home environment. Data was collected at three time points—November, March and June—from 20 school heads, 37 teachers of and 79 parents. Not all respondents were available at each time point. No parents were interviewed in November as recruitment was still underway. Children were also asked to fill out a literacy assessment worksheet, but very few parents returned this worksheet at each occasion. These briefs describe essential themes that emerged from this activity. #1 - Strategies for Assisting Home Learning Partners, #2 - Use of Teaching and Learning Materials, #3 - Use of Technology, #4 - Student Engagement Strategies, #5 - Challenges and Solutions to Remote Learning, #6 - School Leadership, #7 - Literacy Instructional Practice.

This brief describes the use of qualitative analysis in international education research.

The research involved a review of the existing literature on the contextual factors affecting reading outcomes and analysis of existing LARA and SHRP datasets. The analyses included demographic factors, such as socioeconomic status, but the focus was mainly on predictors of learning outcomes that could be potentially incorporated into future education programming.

LARA’s Theory of Change places school climate in a central role for improved reading and retention.With aims to promote, a positive learning environment, eliminate violence in schools, and increase retention, the Journeys intervention is based on an awareness-based system change model. It engages teaching and non-teaching school staff, community members, and pupils in a variety of activities that promote reflection and discussion about the intersection between a caring and supportive learning environment, positive social and emotional growth and development, and learning outcomes. In 2018, the project embarked on a mixed methods study to evaluate the tenability of this hypothesis and the impact of Journeys in establishing positive and violence-free schools and improving retention and early grade reading (EGR) outcomes. In this study, project schools participated in both Journeys (see above) and also LARA’s EGR intervention.

An overview of the results of a nationally-representative Early Grade Reading Study conducted in 2019 in the Philippines. The full report is available.

This a graphic and easy to understand summary of the Ministry of Education and Sports Reporting, Tracking, Referral and Response (RTRR) Guidelines. This briefer was produced under the Uganda Literacy Achievement and Retention Activity (LARA) and in collaboration with United States Agency for International Development and The Republic of Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports.

Research shows that mother tongue-based education in the early years improves reading and learning outcomes. Participating pupils begin learning to read in their local language in Primary 1. They also begin to learn oral English in Primary 1 and gradually read in English in Primary 2 and Primary 3. This prepares them for transition to learning in English in Primary 4.

LARA is designed to improve outcomes for children through implementation of an early grade reading program and strengthened safe and supportive school environments.