Georgia Primary Education Project Semi-Annual Report: April 1, 2015 – September 30, 2015

The project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) and focuses on improving reading and math instruction, delivery systems, community engagement, and transparency in 300 schools. Key accomplishments during the reporting period include the hosting of an exhibition of educational resources for primary schools, with 351 reading and 351 math teachers observing national trainers in 89 and 92 schools, respectively. Additionally, 465 expansion schools were selected for the expansion phase among 720 applicants, and training materials for expansion school TLC facilitators and principals were finalized. The project also conducted Training of Trainers (TOT) for 39 reading and 39 math national trainers, who in turn trained 412 Georgian expansion school principals and 903 TLC facilitators. Furthermore, 10 videos in math and 8 videos in reading were produced to support the project's objectives. The project's expansion phase aims to expand implementation to 465 additional schools, with a focus on improving reading and math instruction, delivery systems, community engagement, and transparency. The project also aims to improve business skills in at least 8,000 students in grades 1-6 in 35 pilot schools. The project's progress is reported against the Year IV performance monitoring plan, which includes the following components: 1. Improve reading and math instruction for approximately 40,000 students of grades 1-6, including ethnic minority students, in approximately 300 schools. 2. Improve Reading and Math Delivery Systems in Georgia's primary education system. 3. Enhance community and public engagement, accountability, and transparency in 300 schools. 4. Improve business skills in at least 8,000 students in grades 1-6 in 35 pilot schools. The project's performance monitoring plan is aligned with the Ministry of Education and Science's strategic objectives, which include improving reading and math competencies, increasing parental and community engagement, and enhancing community and public engagement. The project's progress is reported against the following indicators: 1. Reading and math instruction: 351 reading and 351 math teachers observed by national trainers in 89 and 92 schools, respectively. 2. Expansion schools: 465 expansion schools selected for the expansion phase among 720 applicants. 3. Training: 412 Georgian expansion school principals and 903 TLC facilitators trained. 4. Videos: 10 videos in math and 8 videos in reading produced to support the project's objectives. The project's progress is reported against the following targets: The project's progress is reported against the following milestones: