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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Basic Education Reading Support Project (USAID/South Africa)

1. What is the Basic Education Reading Support Project?

The Basic Education Reading Support Project is a USAID/South Africa (USAID-SAF) funding opportunity focused on improving reading skills among primary grade learners. It sits within USAID/SA's broader education goal of strengthening early-grade literacy outcomes by improving how language and literacy instruction is supported and delivered inside the formal education system.

2. What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The main goal is to improve early-grade literacy outcomes, specifically reading skills among primary grade learners, by strengthening the education system's internal capacity to support language and literacy teaching and by equipping teachers with structured Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM).

3. What makes this project approach different from typical teacher training projects?

A central feature is that the project does not rely on external trainers, coaches, or mentors operating outside government education structures. Instead, it is designed to build sustained instructional support within existing government and school leadership roles so the support becomes part of normal supervisory and management routines.

4. Who is expected to provide instructional support to teachers under this project?

The project aims to strengthen the capacity of existing education officials and school leaders to support teachers directly. This includes curriculum advisors and heads of department, as well as school principals and deputy principals, so they can provide ongoing guidance to language and literacy teachers.

5. Why does the project focus on curriculum advisors, heads of department, and school leadership?

The project is designed to embed instructional support into the formal education system. By strengthening roles that already exist within the system, the project is intended to increase the likelihood that improvements in language and literacy instruction continue after the project ends.

6. What are Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) in this opportunity?

LTSM refers to a comprehensive package of learning and teaching support materials that teachers will use as a practical toolset to deliver the language curriculum more effectively. The ultimate purpose of the LTSM package is to support improved learner literacy outcomes.

7. How does the opportunity expect teachers to use the LTSM package?

The grant description positions the LTSM package as a structured, practical toolset to help teachers improve delivery of the language curriculum. The opportunity also emphasizes that teachers' use of these materials is expected to be reinforced and monitored through strengthened curriculum advisors and school leadership roles.

8. How will the project ensure that instructional improvements are sustained over time?

The opportunity emphasizes sustainability through system-based support. By building the capacity of existing education officials and school leaders (rather than creating parallel external structures), instructional support is intended to become part of routine supervision and management, supporting continuation beyond the project period.

9. Will there be an evaluation of the project?

Yes. The effectiveness of the model (strengthened internal instructional support combined with provision and use of the LTSM package) will be rigorously evaluated by an independent contractor.

10. What evaluation standards or policies apply to this opportunity?

The independent evaluation is expected to follow the USAID Evaluation Policy. This signals that rigorous measurement, accountability, and credible findings are built into the program design.

11. What type of funding instrument is being used?

This is a discretionary funding action using a Cooperative Agreement. A Cooperative Agreement typically implies substantial involvement by USAID during implementation compared to a standard grant.

12. What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is Education.

13. What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 98.001.

14. What is the funding opportunity number and title?

The funding opportunity number is RFA 674 16 000005, and the title is Basic Education Reading Support Project.

15. What is the application timeline (posted date and closing date)?

The posted date and creation date are May 13, 2016. The closing date for applications is July 04, 2016. The information provided indicates there was no change between the original and current closing dates.

16. What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $11,000,000.

17. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are listed broadly as "Others." Additional eligibility details are referenced as being available in the full announcement's eligibility section.

18. Does this opportunity prioritize work inside the formal education system?

Yes. The description repeatedly emphasizes improving how language and literacy instruction is supported and delivered inside the formal education system, focusing on strengthening existing government education roles rather than creating outside support structures.

19. What outcomes is the project ultimately trying to achieve?

The opportunity is aimed at improving reading skills among primary grade learners by improving classroom practice, strengthening ongoing instructional support to teachers, and providing structured teaching and learning materials, with outcomes to be tested through an independent evaluation aligned with USAID policy.

20. What are the core components of the project model being tested?

The model highlighted for evaluation combines two main components: (1) strengthened internal instructional support at school and district levels (via curriculum advisors and school leaders) and (2) provision and use of a comprehensive LTSM package to support delivery of the language curriculum.