USAID KENYA TUSOME EARLY GRADE READING ACTIVITY Quarterly Progress Report October-December 2016

The program is based on the understanding that literacy outcomes can be improved and sustained through key elements, including teacher capacity, access to information and communication technology (ICT), learning materials, instructional support, and a robust evaluation system. The program utilizes approaches that provide instructional materials, instructional support supervision, in-service teacher professional development, and partnerships with stakeholders to improve literacy outcomes at the national and county levels. The period under review marked the beginning of fiscal year (FY) 2017, and this report highlights the achievements of the first quarter (QI) from October 31, 2016, to December 31, 2017. Key achievements during the quarter included the provision of training and ongoing instructional support supervision by Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs) and Instructional Coaches (ICs). Most activities during the quarter were preparatory measures for the succeeding quarters. The report highlights key achievements, including qualitative and quantitative data, and provides an overview of the program's progress. Qualitative impact was observed in the increased availability and use of appropriate textbooks and supplementary materials that support reading. Improved methods of reading instruction delivery were also noted, including the training of national trainers and the development of supplementary readers. Special-needs education interventions were implemented, and consultations were held with Tusome partners. The program also made progress in improving the policy environment that promotes reading skills, including private sector partnerships supported by WERK. Lessons learned from the quarter were identified, and the report provides an overview of the program's progress. Quantitative data showed an increase in the number of learners receiving reading instruction at primary level with US Government support. The number of textbooks and teaching-learning materials provided with USG assistance also increased. Schools using information and communication technology (ICT) due to USG support increased, and the number of teachers and teaching assistants who completed in-service training or received intensive coaching or mentoring with USG support also increased. The report also highlights the progress of the program in terms of gender and inclusion, links to other USAID programs, and links with government of Kenya agencies. The program's work plan for Quarter 2, FY 2017, is also outlined, along with financial information and activity administration. The Tusome Early Grade Reading Activity is a comprehensive program aimed at improving reading outcomes of children in Kenya. The program's progress is highlighted in this report, which provides an overview of the achievements of the first quarter of FY 2017. The program's key achievements include the provision of training and ongoing instructional support supervision by CSOs and ICs. The report highlights qualitative and quantitative data, including the increased availability and use of instructional materials, improved methods of reading instruction delivery, and the implementation of special-needs education interventions. The program also made progress in improving the policy environment that promotes reading skills, including private sector partnerships supported by WERK. The report provides an overview of the program's progress and outlines the work plan for Quarter 2, FY 2017, along with financial information and activity administration. The program's work plan for Quarter 2, FY 2017, includes the implementation of the following activities: training of national trainers, development of supplementary readers, and the implementation of special-needs education interventions. The program also plans to continue providing training and ongoing instructional support supervision by CSOs and ICs. The program's financial information includes a cash flow report and financial projections in US dollars. The report also outlines the budget details in US dollars. The program's activity administration includes the hiring of new staff and the provision of training and support to existing staff.