Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) National Baseline Assessment in Mali

The assessment aimed to evaluate the reading skills of teachers in Mali, with a focus on their ability to read French. The assessment instrument, known as the Mali EGRA Teacher Reading Skills Instrument—French, was designed to evaluate the reading proficiency of teachers in the country. The instrument consists of a brief text in French, which is read aloud by the teacher. The text highlights the importance of reading skills in education, stating that without basic reading and writing skills, children will not be able to learn. The text also emphasizes that reading is the foundation of all academic learning and that research has shown that reading skills improve comprehension and prepare students for the development of other language skills. The assessment instrument includes a series of questions that follow the reading of the text. The questions are designed to evaluate the teacher's understanding of the text and their ability to apply reading skills in a practical context. The questions cover topics such as the type of capacity that reading skills develop in students, the classes that are being targeted by the assessment, and how the results of the assessment will be used. The assessment results are expected to provide a better understanding of the quality of reading instruction in Mali and to inform decisions aimed at improving reading skills among students in the country. The results will be used by the Direction Nationale de la Pédagogie to support teachers, schools, and students in improving reading skills in the fundamental education sector. The assessment instrument is designed to be used in conjunction with the Mali EGRA Teacher Stimulus—French, which is a companion document that provides additional information and guidance for teachers. The instrument is intended to be used as a tool for evaluating teacher reading skills and for informing decisions aimed at improving reading instruction in Mali. The assessment results are expected to have a positive impact on education in Mali, particularly in terms of improving reading skills among students. By evaluating teacher reading skills and providing targeted support, the assessment aims to improve the quality of reading instruction and to support the development of reading skills among students in the country.