Rwanda Education Board (REB)'s School-based Mentoring Program: English Language Diagnostic Test for Teachers

This initiative is part of Rwanda's efforts to improve the quality of education, particularly in English language proficiency. The program aims to provide targeted support to teachers, focusing on those with lower levels of English. To be effective, mentors need to know teachers' English levels and specific training needs. The Rwanda Education Board, with the support of USAID, has developed an English language diagnostic test for teachers. The test is part of the Rwandan English Proficiency Standards for teachers (REPS) system, based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). In February, mentors used the basic user test to assess teachers' English levels, targeting those with lower levels of proficiency. The test results provided teachers with their working English language level as well as a target level. The test has been administered to nearly 30,000 primary and secondary teachers across the country, from February 10-28th. The results have been used to identify key training priorities for teachers, with mentors providing targeted support to help them improve their English language skills. The English for Rwandan Teachers resource bank contains activities organized by REPS levels to ensure that teachers receive the support they need. Mentors are equipped with print and audio materials, loaded on netbook computers, as well as projectors for delivering training. Teachers have expressed enthusiasm for the program, with many indicating that the test has motivated them to improve their English language skills. Primary six teacher Sebantu Mataratara stated that the test made him aware of his English level and encouraged him to work towards improvement. At the end of the academic year, teachers will take a second test to monitor their progress towards their goals. The program's focus on improvement over time is designed to motivate teachers and provide them with the support they need to succeed. The Rwanda Education Board's School-based Mentoring Program is a critical component of Rwanda's efforts to improve the quality of education. By providing targeted support to teachers, the program aims to improve English language proficiency and ultimately enhance the quality of education in Rwanda. The program's focus on teacher development and support is a key factor in its success, with mentors playing a crucial role in providing teachers with the resources and guidance they need to improve their English language skills.