Early Grade Reading (EGR)Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) Review Consultant at Creative Associates International

BACKGROUND

Creative Associates International is a fast-growing, social impact company that specializes in the areas of education, economic growth, democratic transitions, and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this global development organization has a field presence is more than 25 countries and a strong client portfolio of that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department. Since its founding in 1977 by four enterprising women, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. Creative Associates International has been working in Nigeria for more than a decade to support education programs in Nigeria.

 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and in close partnership with federal partners and select Nigeria States (designated as legacy [Bauchi and Sokoto], launching [Adamawa], the five-year Leveraging Education Assistance Resources in Nigeria (LEARN) project will support sustainable improvements in reading outcomes for first and second grade pupils. The goal of LEARN is to strengthen and scale early grade reading (EGR) best practice by ensuring that standards-based, context-appropriate assessment, materials, training, and administrative supports needed to improve literacy skills for P1-2 pupils are embedded within the federal policy, funding, and monitoring frameworks, and state and local authorities have the implementation protocols, capacity, and resources to carry out and sustain standards-based, data-driven EGR reform. The project objective is to instil ownership in and build capacity of school-community, local, state, and federal systems to establish a base for adequate, consistent data-driven funding, monitoring and performance that increase the equity, inclusion, and wellbeing necessary to achieve sustained EGR gains. LEARN will therefore be building on lessons learned from prior Nigeria reading programs to introduce a flexible, cost- efficient EGR intervention model that can be tailored to state contexts.

 POSITION SUMMARY

Creative Associates seeks an EGR teaching and learning materials consultant who will provide technical support to the LEARN to Read project to identify and review the core early grade reading (EGR)teaching and learning materials (TLMs) being used in Adamawa state. for EGR implementation This task is to be undertaken on behalf of Leveraging Education Assistance Resources in Nigeria (LEARN) to Read project.

 REPORTING & SUPERVISION

The Early Grade TLMs Review Consultant reports to the Deputy Chief of Party. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Identify the core TLMs used for Hausa and English EGR implementation by previous EGR interventions in Adamawa state. The core TLMs refer to pupil book, Teacher Guide and supporting teacher training materials for P1 to P3;

Discuss the extent to which the identified materials meet global best practices with regards to early grade reading skills and pedagogy and make recommendation of the appropriateness of the identified materials for a successful EGR implementation;

Perform other relevant tasks as assigned.

 RESULTS AND/OR DELIVERABLES

Identify the core TLMs used for Hausa and English EGR implementation by previous EGR interventions in Adamawa state. The core TLMs refer to pupil book, Teacher Guide and supporting teacher training materials for P1 to P3

LOE- 30%

Review the identified core TLMs and discuss the extent to which the materials meet global best practices with regards to early grade reading skills and pedagogy and make recommendation of the appropriateness of the identified materials for a successful EGR implementation.

LOE- 50%

Draft activity completion report

LOE- 20%

Total Level of Effort (LOE)- 100%

Due Date- To be Determined.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Specialist in Hausa Language and Hausa early grade reading materials development with evidenced knowledge of early grade reading (EGR) skills and pedagogy. A PhD degree is preferred.
• Familiarity with Hausa EGR materials used in Nigeria that meet global best practice, such as, but not limited to, Mu Karanta! developed under USAID/NEIPlus and the Reading and Numeracy Activity (RANA) Hausa literacy materials developed under DFID/UNICEF/FHI360.
• Cognate experience, knowledge and skills in English language EGR pedagogy.
• Experience working with International Development partners and clear understanding of education issues and early grade reading gaps and challenges. Experience with USAID-funded programs preferred.
• Ability to collect, analyse and interpret data and carryout research independently,
• Previous work experience in research methodologies and strong research and analytical skills desirable
• Ability to analyse implications and provide recommendations based on findings from the study.