assessment for Learning for accelerated development of Literacy, Numeracy and Life skills

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL- Only for INTERNATIONAL FIRM/ORGANISATION
Re-Advertised Ref- (RFP-2012-9104511)

1. Topic: Consultancy services -for assessment for Learning for accelerated development of Literacy, Numeracy and Life skills among first cycle learners (pre-primary and grades 1 to 4).
2. Background

The goal of education is to enable children to learn effectively, realise their full potential and participate meaningfully in society. The low learning outcomes for both girls and boys documented in National Learning Assessments (NLA) for English, Reading and Maths at Grade 4, and more recently in the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) for Grades 2 and 3, are indicative of serious learning impediments facing learners in the classroom. Traditionally, literacy was taken to be the skills of reading and writing, and numeracy was limited to the ability to use numbers, to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Contemporary definitions go beyond these: Literacy includes the capacity to read, understand and critically appreciate various forms of communication including spoken language (speaking and listening), printed text, broadcast media, and digital media. Numeracy is the ability to use mathematics to solve problems and meet the demands of day-to- day living. Early childhood and lower primary are the foundational years; if the foundation in literacy and numeracy is weak, it has negative implications on subsequent learning. It is therefore critical that children in these early years master the minimum competency levels in literacy and numeracy skills as prescribed for the age group by the official curriculum. Strengthening the teaching and learning for effective literacy and numeracy in pre- and lower primary will result in immediate and longer-term improvements in learning outcomes.

1. Objectives
   the purpose of this consultancy is to develop the necessary pedagogic inputs to support coherent, systematized literacy, numeracy and lifeskills pedagogy in the first cycle of primary education to improve attainment of learning in literacy (Amharic and English) numeracy (Mathematics) and life skills (Environmental Science).

Taking into account that basic literacy, numeracy and life skills form foundational building blocks for successful attainment of learning outcomes and future learning, this consultancy has the following key objectives:
a. To develop capacities of primary school teachers for effective teaching of reading in Amharic, English and instructional support in Mathematics and Environment Science in the first cycle of primary education (Grade 0-4).
b. To develop capacities of primary school teachers in skills for learning-centered assessment to support teaching and learning of Amharic, English, Mathematics and Environment Science in the first cycle of primary education (Grade 0-4).
c. To develop student learning materials that reflect the standards set for MLCs, and model good practice in learning-centred assessment approaches.
d. To develop in-service teacher training modules as well as teaching and learning resource materials, using multi-media options, to enhance learning outcomes.
e. To deliver first level in-service training approaches to core professionals in all skills and process in objectives a –d above, and facilitate the drafting of training roll-out plans.

1. Qualification of Firm and Experience Required
   The team of international and national consultants will have rich experience in promotion of literacy, numeracy, and life skills among young children.- be knowledgeable about basic education in Ethiopia and in particular curricula, instructional and assessment practices- be experienced in teacher training, and be conversant with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
   Post-graduate degree in Education, with over 10 years’ experience with broad international experience on effective literacy, numeracy, life skills and literacies for survival in changing environments for pre-primary and primary level children.
   -Be conversant with effective pedagogy for languages, specifically English and Amharic; Mathematics and Environmental Science for the pre-primary and primary levels of education.
   -Familiarity with quality assurance in education, testing, national examinations and National Learning Assessments and/or Early Grade Reading Assessments. -Familiarity with the Ethiopian Education and Training policies, curriculum, assessment and teacher education.

How to apply:

Interested and eligible bidders are invited to collect the complete tender document by sending an email to the address below starting on 26rd Nov 2012. Formal offers are to be submitted to UNICEF on Friday before 10.00 am. 21th Dec- 2012. Due to the nature of the bid, there will be no bid public opening for this offer.

UNICEF reserves the right to accept or reject part or all of any or all bids.
ADDRESS: UNICEF ETHIOPIA, Supply Section, Room 118, Attn. Mr. Gebresellassie Tsegaye (gtsegaye@unicef.org) P.O.BOX 1169, TEL: +251-11 5184214, ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia.