Innovative Finance
August 1, 2024
Context and Issue
ABC+ is a five-year USAID-funded program aimed at improving the early-grade reading, math, and social and emotional skills of children in the early grades (kindergarten to Grade 3) in the Philippines. The prominent feature of early-grade instructions in the K-12 curriculum in the Philippines is the MTB-MLE policy. From kindergarten through Grade 3, learners progressively acquire literacy skills in their native language (MT), Filipino, and English, transitioning to instruction in Filipino and English starting in Grade 4. In a country with 180-plus native languages, the delivery of MTB-MLE throughout the country can be daunting. The baseline study by ABC+ reflects that many children are left behind in school.
Solution
ABC+ supports improved early-grade literacy, a better transition of reading ability to Filipino and English, more solid acquisition of foundational math concepts and skills, and improved social and emotional learning. This solution was designed to ensure that the required training is provided to the teachers and that the content and material available are effective and relevant. Lastly, the system's capacity to implement the program is enhanced.
Impact
The evaluation results from a mid-level evaluation illustrate that 80 percent of teachers in all the target regions feel that ABC+ initiatives have been instrumental in improving early-grade literacy instruction. These findings are supported by qualitative data where informants described ABC+ as their “partner” in literacy teaching.