Literacy, Language and Learning Initiative FY12 - Q3 Quarterly Report

The initiative seeks to improve students' reading and mathematical skills in grades one to four, as well as their English language proficiency. Working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), USAID, and technical partners, the L3 project focuses on introducing proven reading and mathematics teaching strategies, supporting community volunteers, and improving the availability and use of innovative instructional materials. The L3 initiative has five intermediate results that support its strategic objective. Intermediate Result 1, Improved Quality of Teaching, involves developing a shared vision of effective literacy and numeracy instruction, implementing a School-Based Mentoring Program, and supporting Teacher Training Colleges to become Centers of Excellence for Literacy and Numeracy Instruction. The program also includes pilot initiatives to improve teachers' motivation and working conditions. Intermediate Result 2, Improved Availability and Use of Teaching and Learning Materials, focuses on providing teachers and students with a comprehensive package of materials, piloting additional innovative tools and materials in rural and low-income regions, and promoting a culture of reading. The initiative also supports student, teacher, and community production of low-cost or no-cost materials. Intermediate Result 3, Support for English, involves developing a program to transition teachers and students to English as a language of instruction, using interactive audio instruction to reinforce and extend face-to-face ESL training, and revising the existing English curriculum. The initiative also aims to develop a program to evaluate teachers' English language proficiency. Intermediate Result 4, Strengthened Ministry Capacity, focuses on strengthening MINEDUC central capacity, transforming Teacher Training Colleges into centers of excellence for literacy and numeracy, and developing tools and systems for monitoring teacher practices. The initiative also aims to improve tools and systems for assessing students' reading and math competencies. Intermediate Result 5, Improved Equity in Education, involves ensuring equal access to quality instruction, promoting positive images of girls and other marginalized groups, and providing additional resources to rural and low-income areas. The initiative also aims to increase awareness of equity issues at key nodes. The L3 initiative has achieved several results, including the development of a shared vision of effective literacy and numeracy instruction, the implementation of a School-Based Mentoring Program, and the provision of a comprehensive package of materials to teachers and students. The initiative has also made progress in promoting a culture of reading, supporting student, teacher, and community production of low-cost or no-cost materials, and improving tools and systems for assessing students' reading and math competencies. The L3 initiative has also learned several lessons, including the importance of building strong partnerships with MINEDUC, USAID, and technical partners, and the need to continuously monitor and evaluate the initiative's progress. The initiative has also recognized the importance of addressing equity issues in education, including ensuring equal access to quality instruction and promoting positive images of girls and other marginalized groups. The L3 initiative has been supported by several organizations, including Concern Worldwide, Education Development Center, Inc., and the Government of Rwanda. The initiative has also received funding from USAID and other donors.