Rapid Feedback Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning FY20 Quarter 1 Progress Report: October 1 – December 31, 2021

The program addresses the lack of systematic testing and availability of timely evidence to inform ongoing activity refinement and improvement. Rapid Feedback MERL embeds monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) approaches into activity design and implementation. A Consortium of four organizations—Results for Development Institute (R4D), Mathematica Policy Research, Abt Associates, and the Pulte Institute for Global Development (formerly the Notre Dame Initiative for Global Development (NDIGD))—convened and supported by the U.S. Global Development Lab (the Lab), is designing and testing the implementation of the Rapid Feedback MERL approach. The approach was developed as part of the Lab's effort to co-create and co-create and co-develop development solutions that innovate traditional MERL approaches. The program's first quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2020 report details activities implemented during the first quarter of the year. The report highlights the Consortium's efforts to manage the program's activities, including regular update calls with the USAID project team and communication with Consortium members on pilot implementation. The Tusome Pamoja engagement in Tanzania is one of the program's key activities. The Consortium conducted a scoping trip to Tanzania in FY17 Q3 and developed an Options Memo for Phase 1, which focused on the implementation of community engagement activities. The Consortium finalized the study design and completed Round 2 data collection in FY19. The data collected helped understand how activities were being implemented, what successes and challenges Tusome Pamoja experienced, and how implementation varied across communities, wards, districts, and regions. The Consortium conducted two discrete studies to answer Round 2 research questions. Research Question 1 focused on how community members used self-learning modules and their effectiveness. Research Question 2 explored whether the implementation of community engagement activities led to actions and linkages that ultimately affected student learning outcomes. The Consortium completed its activities and held a final Learning Check with USAID/Tanzania and RTI in November 2019. The IDAT (India) pilot in India is another key activity of the program. The pilot aims to determine which patient characteristics are associated with non-adherence to TB medication among patients selected for a pilot of various technology adherence tools. The pilot is designed to identify risk factors of low-engagement and non-adherence across four technology models. The Consortium kicked off the quarter by conducting a Learning Check with USAID/India and WHP on findings from the first round of quantitative data using administrative data on patients. The Consortium completed data collection in Mehwat, Gujarat, and Bangalore through its in-country consultant. Data collection in Belgaum has been delayed until January 2024 for logistical reasons. The Consortium developed an addendum to the Design Note to outline remaining activities and deliverables in the final months of the program. The Lecture Pour Tous (LPT) engagement in Senegal aims to improve peer-to-peer teacher coaching and teacher coaching from school directors and inspectors, and increase student engagement in reading through community activities implemented by school m. The Consortium conducted a scoping trip to Senegal in FY17 Q3 and developed an Options Memo for Phase 1, which focused on the implementation of community engagement activities. The Consortium finalized the study design and completed Round 2 data collection in FY19. The data collected helped understand how activities were being implemented, what successes and challenges LPT experienced, and how implementation varied across communities, wards, districts, and regions. The program's activities and findings have generated significant interest and discussion among stakeholders, including USAID, RTI, and implementing partners. The Consortium plans to continue its work and provide support to implementing partners to translate the findings to action and apply them to new USAID grants.