1. Presenter: DR. Michaela Gulemetova Elnaz Safarha Laurence Dessein
IMPAQ International LLC.
Presenter: DR. Michaela Gulemetova Elnaz Safarha Laurence Dessein

2. CIES 2017
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3. Motivation for the presentation
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Motivation for the presentation
All three programs are designed using the framework outlined by McGovern Dole (MGD) Food for Education program funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture but are adapted to each country context
The evaluations are conducted in neighboring Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Mali, sharing many similarities
We used the same reading assessment tool, calibrated to each country’s educational system, language, and context to measure reading skills in 2015/2016
School feeding programs aiming to improve reading outcomes of primary school children
Francophone, education system is built on the French model, 6 grades of primary school, free of charge and compulsory `

4. Fit into the conference theme
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Fit into the conference theme
Emphasis on early grade reading and related research about its importance for inequality
Contribution to implementers’ and funders’ dilemma in using reliable learning assessment tools in ways that is consistent and comparable across countries
Platform to bring together the perspectives of implementers, funders, and evaluators to share their experience in selecting ASER and using the collected evidence
Cross-country interaction of research and program teams to generate solutions by learning from specific challenges faced by implementers and local stakeholders
We have abundant evidence that education is a driver in income inequality and gaps in student achievement emerge early in life. We are still looking for effective strategies to close the achievement gaps
Research by Hanushek 2009 examine schooling, cognitive skills, and growth puzzle in Latin America and found that reading skills contribute more to a country’s economic growth than years of education
There are several valid and reliable cross-country assessments
PASEC – 2nd and 5th grade, diagnostic tool
EGRA – is frequently used
ASER – innovative, low cost, easy to implement. This tool is very relevant in the growing demand for easily adaptable, feasible, and cost-effective instruments to deploy quickly, remaining sensitive to local context. `

5. MGD results framework Lisez-vous francais? `
Conceptual framework of how MGD program activities reach key objectives and lead to results
Improved student attendance
Improved attentiveness
Improved quality of literacy education `

6. Mali: USDA MGD Food for Education Program
The FFE III project aims to improve the literacy, health and hygiene attitudes and practices of over 77,000 children in 264 primary schools in 2 regions through a variety of school feeding related activities.
Burkina Faso: USDA MGD Food for Education Program
The BBII project aims to improve the literacy, health and hygiene attitudes and practices of over 270,000 primary and preschool students in 2 regions through a variety of school feeding related activities.
These are large scale programs.
Ivory Coast: USDA MGD Food for Education Program
The WFP in collaboration with AVSI are aiming to improve the literacy, health and hygiene attitudes and practices of over 125,000 children in 613 primary schools in 7 regions through a variety of school feeding related activities.

7. The evaluations Lisez-vous francais? `
The program evaluation methodologies are aligned with the most rigorous approach feasible. `

8. ASER-Reading tool Test Overview & Purpose Test Development
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ASER-Reading tool
Test Overview & Purpose
Test Development
Content Development
Calibration
Piloting
Sample of test
Implementation
Cross-country comparisons: ASER versus other assessments `

9. ASER Reading Test Structure
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ASER Reading Test Structure `

10. ASER Reading Test Structure
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ASER Reading Test Structure `

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14. Student Reading Skills by Grade
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Student Reading Skills by Grade `

15. Reading Proficiency in 2nd Grade
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Reading Proficiency in 2nd Grade `

16. Lisez-vous francais?
Uses of the data
Simplicity of the ASER tool and in understanding the data results
Usefulness in presenting findings to stakeholders leading to making changes happen
Caution in drawing conclusions when comparing baseline reading outcomes across different contexts and different program theories to set the stage for the next presentations `

17. Evaluating & Enhancing Public Programs & Policy
CIES 2017
CONTACT INFORMATION
Evaluating & Enhancing Public Programs & Policy
Michaela Gulemetova
Elnaz Safarha