Philippines - Project for Learning Upgrade Support and Decentralization

Overview & Synopsis

Project for Learning Upgrade Support and Decentralization for the Philippines, with the development objectives of improving foundational literacy and numeracy for primary education learners and improving learning outcomes in reading and mathematics for lower secondary education learners in public schools nationwide. Component 1: System-Level Interventions. Sub-components: Learning Acceleration and Recovery, supporting nationwide kindergarten to Grade 6 learning recovery and acceleration through enhanced design and phased implementation aligned with the RAPID framework, teacher and tutor training, structured pedagogy, regular diagnostic assessments, and tailored resources; Teacher Professional Development, strengthening Grades 7–10 and Alternative Learning System teacher qualifications through an evidence-based program that integrates classroom observation using the Teach Secondary tool, school-based coaching led by master and head teachers, scripted lessons and guides, blended learning methods, gender- and climate-sensitive pedagogies, and leadership training for principals and supervisors; Education Assessments, developing and administering socioemotional skills assessments for Grades 1, 4, 7, and 10, and conducting annual Programme for International Student Assessment for Schools in nationally representative public school samples; Teaching and Learning Conditions, assessing readiness for education technology, establishing a national digitalization strategy and standards, optimizing data tools, developing accessible resources for learners with disabilities, and producing culturally responsive materials and teacher training for indigenous peoples learners; Other Systemic Improvements and Communications, reviewing the Alternative Learning System delivery model including online feasibility, assessing and strengthening central and regional capacities through targeted training, and designing a comprehensive communications campaign. Component 2: Targeted Interventions. Sub-components: Technical Assistance, supporting selected regional offices and schools to prepare and appraise Regional Operations Plans and School Operations Plans and to manage grant implementation with strong fiduciary and climate-smart guidance; Implementation of Approved Regional Operations Plans and School Operations Plans, financing consultants’ services, goods, non-consulting services, training, and operating costs, with mechanisms to engage families and communities, earmarking funds to reduce gender gaps in learning, and introducing a performance-based enhancement for large schools using Early Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Assessment and National Achievement Test data; Decentralized Support to Digitalization, providing energy-efficient laptops to additional Grades K–10 teachers in selected regions to enable lesson preparation and access to instructional resources, guided by technology readiness assessments and supported by maintenance through regular programs. Component 3: Monitoring and Evaluation, and Project Management. Sub-components: strengthening system monitoring and evaluation and decentralization support; improving service delivery capacity; conducting rigorous evaluations and policy analysis, including impacts of decentralization; establishing a Project Management Office with fiduciary, environmental and social, and monitoring and evaluation functions; implementing a project-specific Grievance Redress Mechanism and citizen engagement tools for school planning; and facilitating knowledge exchange and course corrections for core programs.