Eighth Quarterly Report | January – March 2021: Quality Instruction towards Access and Basic Education Improvement 2

The project is led by World Learning and includes partners Ana Aqra', American Language Learning Center, International Rescue Committee, and Management Systems International. QITABI 2 will build the Lebanese education system's institutional capacity for sustainability and self-reliance. The project targets over 338,000 students from 887 public primary schools in Lebanon, including those registered in 320 second-shift schools and 100 private schools. QITABI 2 addresses three specific outcomes: Improved student performance in reading, math, and writing; Improved Social and Emotional Learning; and Improved national-level service delivery of education. Implementation of the project is led by World Learning, which is responsible for communications with USAID, primary point of contact with stakeholders, the General Directorate of Education, and the Center for Educational Research and Development. World Learning also leads on Outcome 3: Improved national-level service delivery of education, and leads English-related reading/writing instruction material development and training. The project's theory of change is based on several key assumptions. If teachers acquire effective reading, writing, and math instruction skills per the Lebanese national curriculum and in line with international best practices, if teachers adopt methodologies that instill SEL skills in students, if parents are engaged in their child's learning, and if government institutions are empowered to develop, implement, and monitor policies and curriculum and enable teacher capacity to successfully support students to achieve learning outcomes, then teachers will deliver high-quality instruction, and students in primary public and private schools will acquire reading, math, and SEL skills according to their development potential and within a sustainable educational system fostered by government's joint efforts. Progress by outcome is a key aspect of the project. Outcome 1: Improved student performance in reading, math, and writing is being addressed through several outputs, including teachers delivering evidence-based instruction in reading and writing, and educational materials and equipment being used in the classroom. Outcome 2: Improved Social and Emotional Learning is being addressed through the adoption of methodologies that promote SEL in the classroom, and schools adopting mechanisms that promote the engagement of caregivers in their children's learning. The project also places a strong emphasis on monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning, as well as communication. A monitoring and evaluation framework has been established to track progress towards the project's outcomes, and a communication strategy has been developed to ensure that stakeholders are informed about the project's progress and achievements. Financial management and operations are also critical components of the project. The project has a budget of $10 million, which is being managed by World Learning. The project's financial management system is designed to ensure transparency and accountability, and regular financial reports are being submitted to USAID. Despite the challenges and constraints faced by the project, progress has been made towards achieving its outcomes. The project has established a strong partnership with the Lebanese government, and has made significant progress in developing and implementing educational materials and equipment. However, challenges remain, including the need to improve teacher capacity and to increase parental engagement in their children's learning. The project's next steps will focus on building on the progress made to date, and on addressing the challenges and constraints that remain. This will involve continued collaboration with the Lebanese government, as well as with other stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and community leaders. The project will also continue to monitor and evaluate its progress, and to make adjustments as needed to ensure that it is achieving its outcomes.