Nigeria Reading and Access Research Activity (RARA)

Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), RARA is conducting research and evaluating strategies for enhancing reading skills among Primary 2 children in Bauchi and Sokoto states. The primary focus is on improving Hausa reading skills, as recent assessments have revealed that the majority of pupils in Primary 2 cannot read a single word of a short story in Hausa. RARA is assisting the Nigerian government in developing and testing an instructional model to improve Hausa reading skills among Primary 2 children. The research approach involves a randomized controlled trial design, with one group of 60 schools participating in RARA activities (treatment group) and a second group of 60 schools not participating (control group). Teachers' instructional practices and pupils' reading outcomes will be measured at the beginning and end of the 2014-2015 school year, both before and after RARA implementation. The results for the control and treatment groups will be compared to identify changes that may be attributable to the RARA approach. The RARA reading approach is designed to improve early reading skills in Hausa by providing appropriate instructional and learning materials, teacher training, and ongoing coaching support to teachers. The approach includes several key components, including teaching and learning materials, professional development, support and monitoring, parent and community engagement, and state collaboration. Teaching and learning materials include a Teacher's Guide, Pupil Book, and Story Read Alouds, developed by reading specialists, Hausa language experts, teacher trainers, and government education officials. Professional development involves training a cadre of teacher trainers to equip Hausa teachers, head teachers, and school support officers on reading skills and materials' use. The RARA approach focuses on teaching foundational reading skills, such as letter sounds, as well as fluency, comprehension, and writing. Pupils are provided with books to allow them to practice these skills. State collaboration is also a key component of the RARA approach, with the initiative convening a Reading Advisory Committee and Technical Working Group composed of officials and professionals from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Ministry of Education, colleges of education, school-based management committees, Local Government Education Authorities, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations. These groups provide guidance, raise awareness, and support, and share findings. The Technical Working Group further played a key role in the development and implementation of the approach and materials. RARA's research results will deepen understanding of how to improve reading instruction and the Hausa reading skills of children in the early grades. Results will also inform decisions by government, donor partners, civil society, and the private sector regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of activities that can be taken to scale in Northern Nigeria to improve early grade reading in Hausa.