Quarterly Performance Report: USAID Education Data activity January -March 2021

The program began on April 9, 2018, and is set to end on October 8, 2021. The primary implementing partner is DevTech Systems, Inc., with Management Systems International (MSI) and Khulisa Management Services (Pty) Ltd. serving as subcontractors. The program's goal is to provide distinct assessment, data management, and research and evaluation services to monitor and track the progress of USAID's Let's Read Project bilateral activity. The objectives of the program include completing two large-scale early grade reading assessments (EGRA), strengthening the capacity of the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) to independently conduct EGRA, and conducting research on topics agreed upon with USAID and in collaboration with the Ministry of General Education (MoGE). The program targets 4,250 schools in 56 districts in five provinces: North Western, Western, Eastern, Muchinga, and Southern. The National Estimates Research Study (NERS) targets 4,113 schools in 53 districts in five additional provinces: Lusaka, Copperbelt, Central, Northern, and Luapula. The target beneficiaries of the program are grade 2 learners and ECZ staff. During the reporting period from January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2021, the program made significant progress in implementing its contracted tasks. Key highlights include the completion of the Midline Language Mapping Exercise in Lusaka, Copperbelt, Central, Luapula, and Northern province, which generated a reliable and valid sampling frame for the National Estimates Research Study (NERS). The program also procured a local survey firm to assist with logistical and administrative implementation during the anticipated Midline EGRA data collection. Additionally, the program trained seven ECZ staff on statistical sampling methods and foundational concepts and approaches to sampling prior to drawing the NERS sample in preparation for data collection. The program also disseminated Baseline Early Childhood Education Research Study findings via the Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC). Furthermore, the program recruited two new female staff, including the Program Manager/Team Lead, resulting in a management team consisting primarily of female staff in both technical and non-technical roles. Deliverables related to contracted tasks include Periodic Progress Reports, Quarterly Financial Reports, and the FY2020 Annual Performance Report. The program submitted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Quarter 1 report on January 15, 2021, and the FY2021 Q1 Financial Report to USAID/Zambia on January 28, 2021. The program also resubmitted the revised FY20 Annual Performance Report to USAID/Zambia on December 17, 2020, and uploaded the report to the DEC on January 8, 2021.