FY 2021, Quarter 3 Report: USAID Learn Together Activity

The project is led by Chemonics International Inc. and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The LTA project focuses on three main components: Improved Instruction and Availability of Supplemental Materials Related to Reading Subjects, Improved Instruction and Availability of Supplemental Math Materials, and Increased Government Capacity to Develop and Implement Cohesive Primary Education Policies and Programs. During the reporting period of April to June 2021, the LTA project engaged two short-term education curriculum experts to review the first draft primary education standards developed by the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) curriculum working group. The experts provided feedback, which will be used to develop the final draft of the competency-based standards and prepare them for a pilot. The LTA project also participated in several meetings organized by development partners, including an international conference on Inclusive Education hosted by the Republican Teacher Training Institute (RTTI). The conference focused on teacher professional development and was attended by representatives from different institutions from various countries. The LTA project supported the MoES working group on the assessment concept paper and contributed to the concept paper, developing supplementary documents, and facilitating working group meetings. In addition, the LTA project conducted an orientation meeting for the MoES Curriculum Review Working Group, which discussed and agreed on the process of review of the standards, including evaluation and analysis tools. The project also conducted two phases of district-level trainings for over 901 school-based summer camp counselors from 450 schools across Tajikistan. The trainings taught teachers how to utilize children's books and other reading materials donated by USAID to run interactive activities for primary grade students that strengthen their reading skills. The LTA project continued to engage with TogetherEd to analyze numeracy data gathered from the field and conducted a series of 'See it, Name it, Do it' ICT trainings with the LTA team. The project also continued the competitive recruitment of staff, with all long-term positions on the project either fully recruited or advertised by the end of June 2021. The LTA project is implemented in partnership with subcontractors EdIntersect, Together Education, Inclusive Development Partners, and blueTree Group. The project's activities and achievements are focused on improving primary education in Tajikistan, with a particular emphasis on reading and math instruction, teacher professional development, and government capacity building. The LTA project's work in the reporting period was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of the USAID LTA office, cancellation of some trainings, and illness among team members. Despite these challenges, the project remains flexible and continues to work towards its goals. The LTA project's main activities and achievements are focused on the following sub-components: * Component 1: Improved Instruction and Availability of Supplemental Materials Related to Reading Subjects * Component 2: Improved Instruction and Availability of Supplemental Math Materials * Component 3: Increased Government Capacity to Develop and Implement Cohesive Primary Education Policies and Programs The LTA project's work in these areas is focused on supporting the MoES to update the primary grade Tajik language standards and syllabus, conducting evaluation of the effectiveness of primary Tajik language competency-based standards and other curriculum documents, and supporting the MoES working group on the assessment concept paper. The LTA project's geographic focus is on Tajikistan, with a particular emphasis on improving primary education in the country. The project's timeframes are focused on the reporting period of April to June 2021, with a focus on achieving specific goals and objectives during this period.