TZ21 Year 2, Quarter 2 Report, April – June, 2012

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Government of Tanzania, the program aims to enhance instruction in reading, mathematics, and science for higher learning achievement. The program is being implemented by Creative Associates International as the prime contractor, with international sub-recipients and Global Development Alliance partners. The program's overarching goal is to provide technical and material support to the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MOEVT) in the Mainland and Zanzibar, and to enhance the teaching and learning process using Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The program also strives to ensure a meaningful use of educational data by communities, schools, districts, regions, and national MOEVTs to enhance decision-making processes leading to and ensuring improved learning in reading, mathematics, and science in lower primary education. The program is working toward two intermediate results (IRs): IR1, which focuses on strengthening professional development and resource support for schools, Teachers' Resource Centers (TRCs)/Teachers' Centers (TCs), and Teachers' Training Centers (TTCs); and IR2, which focuses on strengthening policies, information, and management systems. The underlying development assumption is that the quality of instruction for higher learning achievement in reading, mathematics, and science is a function of focused interventions on both quality development and quality assurance. During the second quarter of 2012, the program continued to implement its activities, including teacher professional development, provision of ICT materials and computers, establishment of the Education Management Information System (EMIS), and capacity building. The program also made progress in improving infrastructure for ICT use, developing and producing e-content and children's books, and providing technical assistance and policy support. The program's monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system is in place, with 31 indicators being tracked to measure progress toward the program's goals. The indicators include standard, context, and customized indicators, which are being used to monitor progress and make adjustments to the program as needed. In terms of challenges and constraints, the program is facing several issues, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and limited capacity among some stakeholders. However, the program is working to address these challenges through a range of strategies, including providing technical assistance and support, improving infrastructure, and building the capacity of stakeholders. Looking ahead, the program plans to continue implementing its activities, with a focus on strengthening professional development and resource support for schools, TRCs/TCs, and TTCs, and strengthening policies, information, and management systems. The program also plans to continue monitoring and evaluating its progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure that it is meeting its goals and objectives.