Capacity Building for Education Reform Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is the Capacity Building for Education Reform Program, Funding Opportunity Number RFA294 2011 206.

Who is funding and managing this program?

The program is funded by USAID and managed through the USAID Mission to the West Bank and Gaza under CFDA 98.001 (USAID Foreign Assistance for Programs Overseas).

What type of award is being offered?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which generally means USAID is expected to have substantial involvement during implementation (for example, collaboration on technical direction, monitoring expectations, and alignment with Ministry priorities).

What is the main goal of the program?

The central aim is to strengthen teacher quality as a primary driver of education reform in the West Bank and Gaza, based on the idea that student learning outcomes are closely tied to teacher effectiveness.

Which education reform strategy does the program support?

The program is designed to support the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) in implementing its Teacher Education Strategy issued in May 2008.

Where will the program take place?

The program focuses on the West Bank and Gaza.

What core problem is the program trying to address?

The program targets improvements in teacher qualifications, competencies, and day-to-day instructional skills, reflecting research that links teacher effectiveness to student learning results.

What are the key activities expected under this program?

Activities focus on developing and delivering a modular teacher training curriculum aligned with strong international standards and oriented toward contemporary, learner-focused pedagogy, along with building MOEHE systems to plan and execute in-service training at national scale.

What does "modular teacher training curriculum" mean in this opportunity?

It refers to a training curriculum organized into modules (discrete units) that can be developed and delivered in a structured way, aligned with international standards and designed to support modern instructional practices.

What teaching approach is emphasized?

The training approach is intended to introduce and normalize 21st century skills in classroom practice and move instruction toward contemporary, learner-focused pedagogy, including active learning and methods responsive to student needs.

Is the program mainly about delivering workshops?

No. While training delivery is part of the work, the opportunity stresses that training should not be treated as an isolated intervention. The project is expected to strengthen institutional capacity and coordination mechanisms so MOEHE can upgrade teacher qualifications at scale as part of a comprehensive national plan for in-service teacher training.

Which stakeholders are expected to be involved in implementation?

The program is expected to work directly with MOEHE units and institutions, alongside universities, to build and execute a comprehensive national plan for in-service teacher training.

What role does local expertise play?

Applicants are encouraged to rely on local expertise and local institutions as much as possible, consistent with the program's capacity-building and sustainability goals.

What does the opportunity say about monitoring, measurement, and accountability?

Measurement and accountability are major components. The awardee will help develop a monitoring system within MOEHE to assess teacher performance and track student learning outcomes during and after training.

How will teacher performance and student learning be tracked?

The program calls for creating or refining assessment tools and integrating them into the existing Education Monitoring System, so evidence about teacher development and student achievement becomes part of routine education management.

What is meant by integrating tools into the Education Monitoring System?

It means that assessment tools used to evaluate teacher performance and student learning outcomes should be incorporated into MOEHE's existing monitoring structures, rather than being used only for a one-time project study.

Does the program include follow-up support for teachers beyond training sessions?

Yes. The program calls for establishing coaching and mentoring mechanisms so teachers receive ongoing support to apply new skills in real classrooms, reinforce good practice, and sustain improvements after formal training ends.

How many awards does USAID expect to make?

The opportunity anticipates one award.

What is the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding level is $16,000,000.

What are the award ceiling and floor?

The award ceiling is $16,000,000 and the award floor is $3,500,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include qualified U.S. and non-U.S. non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

What is the posting date and closing date for the opportunity?

The announcement was posted on April 1, 2011, and the closing date was May 18, 2011.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listing is 98.001, identified as USAID Foreign Assistance for Programs Overseas.

Who should be contacted for access issues related to the full announcement?

For access issues related to the full announcement, the listed contact is Linda Maher, Acquisition Specialist, at phone 00972 3 5198670.

What makes this opportunity a "capacity building" program?

The program is designed not only to train teachers, but also to strengthen MOEHE systems, institutional coordination, and monitoring mechanisms so that improvements to teacher qualifications and instructional practice can be sustained and scaled nationally.