Innovation for Improving Early Grade Reading Activity (IIEGRA) Performance Monitoring Report

The project aims to improve the reading skills of early grade students (1-III) in Bangla, with a focus on low-performing schools in Cox's Bazar and Khagrachari districts in Bangladesh. The project covers seven upazilas and involves seven government primary schools. The project's goal is to improve the reading skills of early grade students, with a specific objective of increasing community engagement for early grade reading. The intermediate results (IR) of the project include improved reading instruction and increased community engagement. The project is a joint venture of BRAC Education Program (BEP) along with its three partners, BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BIED), Concern Universal (CU), and Assistance for the Livelihood of the Origins (ALO). The project area includes 245 government primary schools in seven upazilas of Cox's Bazar and Khagrachari districts. The project duration is from June 2015 to May 2018. The implementing partners have prepared individual reports, which were consolidated into a single report by the lead partner, BEP. The agreement between BEP and its three partners has been made, and seven field offices have been set up with staff recruited and oriented. Preparatory works, such as developing a work plan and M&E plan, were completed and submitted to USAID. Meetings with government officials and other relevant stakeholders were held in a timely manner. Material development is ongoing, and the operation guidelines have been developed. The project has faced challenges, including delays in getting approvals from different authorities, which have impacted the project's progress. The project's focus is on improving the reading skills of early grade students, particularly in poverty-stricken areas in Chittagong Hill Tracts and the coastal parts of Chittagong division. The language barrier has been identified as a major deterrent to achieving early grade reading competencies. The project aims to engage school management, community, parents, and civil society in improving the reading skills of early grade students. The project's results framework includes intermediate results, such as improved reading instruction and increased community engagement. The project's challenges include delays in getting approvals from different authorities, which have impacted the project's progress. The project's implementation is ongoing, with a focus on improving the reading skills of early grade students in Bangla. The project's geographic focus is on Cox's Bazar and Khagrachari districts in Bangladesh, with a specific focus on seven upazilas. The project's timeframes are from June 2015 to May 2018, with a focus on improving the reading skills of early grade students in the project area. The project's recommendations include continued engagement with community, parents, and civil society to improve the reading skills of early grade students. The project's financial management is overseen by the implementing partners, with a focus on ensuring that project funds are used efficiently and effectively. The project's partnership management involves collaboration with government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders to achieve the project's objectives. The project's monitoring and evaluation plan is in place, with a focus on tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.