PAL Network will launch the International Common Assessment of Numeracy (ICAN) Report on July 9th 2020. The e-launch event between, 5:00-6:30 pm (GMT +03:00) will also include a report release and panel discussions involving speakers from the field of education. The ICAN report was developed through collaborative efforts among PAL Network member organisations in 13 low and middle-income countries across Africa, America and Asia. ICAN communicates the aspiration we have for each child, who ought to be able to proudly say “I can do math.” Please register here.
PAL Network at the Helm of COVID-19 Education Response in Kenya
PAL Network’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sara Ruto was appointed to Chair the COVID-19 Education Response Committee in Kenya on May 12th, 2020. PAL Network under the Policy Dialogues project supported in online collation and analysis of public opinions about school reopening from concerned citizens and institutions related to education. The Committee submitted the report to the Ministry of Education on May 29th, 2020.
ASER India 2020 Survey to Focus on Impact of COVID-19
In light of the unprecedented situation brought about by COVID-19, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2020 survey has been modified in terms of methods and focus. ASER teams have been conducting extensive piloting of a possible phone-based survey using a sample of phone numbers from the ASER 2018 database. The 2020 survey will focus on the impact of school closures and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ITA, Pakistan Supports Learning during COVID-19 Crisis
Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) took early action and prepared a response to COVID-19 so that #LearningNeverStops. Innovative digital learning solutions were introduced in the areas of assessment, tech-enabled learning, life skills, and empowerment. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) Pakistan survey also assisted the Government in providing valuable insights on the status of the prevalence of ICTs across rural households of Pakistan to prepare a response for COVID-19.
OMAES Conducts Citizen Awareness on Dangers of COVID-19 in Mali
Oeuvre Malienne d’aide a l’Enfance du Sahel (OMAES) is collaborating with the government of Mali to create awareness on the dangers of COVID-19. This came after the government banned social gatherings and shut down all schools on March 18th, 2020. Since then, OMAES has trained facilitators who visited households to enlighten families on the existence and dangers of COVID-19.
MIA Collaborates with the Secretary of Education of Veracruz, Mexico
Medición Independiente de Aprendizajes (MIA) and the Sub-Secretariat of Basic Education of the Secretariat of Education of Veracruz (SEV) are managing joint educational actions to improve the basic learning of children and adolescents. Together, they are also addressing the educational and learning backlog that COVID-19 has caused in the State of Veracruz.
Young 1ove Supports Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic
Young 1ove, Botswana’s rapid response to COVID-19 showed commitment to the cause with an ability to adapt to the times. Early and decisive action was taken to collect over 10,000 contact numbers for students across four regions in the country. This led to a shift from the traditional method of implementation to a digital method incorporating text-based messages and phone calls. Students have since been engaged through mobile learning interventions.
VIda Nicaragua Collaborates to offer Education Solutions during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The VIdA project of ÁBACOenRed / FUPECG, Nicaragua is involved in the development of education policies during COVID-19. VIda has collaborated with local education groups and together manage projects to get funding from the Ministry of Education to be able to face adverse educational situations resulting from the pandemic. For more, click here.
Zizi Afrique Foundation in Kenya Implements Remote-Based Learning
Zizi Afrique Foundation responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by conducting a rapid survey in April and May in two counties. The survey revealed that only a third of learners attending the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP), had continued to learn while at home. ALP adopted a remote learning approach in which households receive radios, study packs, and weekly learning content delivered via short messages (SMS). Over 7,000 learners are learning at home.
PAL Network Releases the ICAN Tool
PAL Network’s International Common Assessment of Numeracy (ICAN) tool went live on June 8th 2020. ICAN is in the public domain, available in 11 languages, aligned to SDG 4.1.1 (a), and can be used in a variety of contexts. The ICAN tool is an easy-to-use and robust assessment tool.
Usawa Agenda Releases Report on Status of Remote-Learning during COVID-19 Crisis
Zizi Afrique Foundation Launches a Campaign to promote Value-Based Education
On May 14th, Zizi Afrique Foundation, in partnership with 11 civil society and religious organisations in Kenya launched an online campaign dubbed #KawaidaMpya#NewNormal. The campaign promotes learning of values (through showing empathy to needy groups) and encourages parents and children to create a daily routine for children. The campaign has reached over 300,000 Kenyans online and offline. Learn how to create a family routine here.
GEM Report launches its 2020 Report on Inclusion and Education
Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, a partner of PAL Network, launched its Report virtually 2020 on June 23rd 2020. The report shows that fewer than 10% of countries globally have laws that can help ensure inclusion in education. Access the full report here.
ICAN Report set to be Released at Regional and National Levels
PAL Network members will launch the ICAN report at regional and national levels between July and December 2020. Connect with us @palnetworkHQ for more developments.
Mark your Calendar for CIES 2021 Conference
The Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) is planning for an onsite conference in Seattle from April 25th-29th, 2021, along with a virtual conference, to enable multiple ways of participation. The submission window for papers will open in August. For more details, click here.
Call for Papers, Beijing International Review of Education
Beijing International Review of Education calls for a special issue in 2021 on educational improvement from a global perspective in the age of COVID-19. The submissions should reflect state-of-the-art empirical and/or theoretical studies on the theme. Full papers should be submitted by Dec 31st, 2020.
Call for Funding Proposals, E Cubed 2020
The 2020 call for E-Cubed proposals aims to generate and disseminate relevant and usable research to support evidence for education during crises and large-scale disruptions. Applicants are advised to share proposals that address the gaps in education that have been further highlighted as a result of the COVID-19 global emergency.
How ICAN adds Value in the Global, Regional and National Education Monitoring Landscape By Dr. Ursula Schwantner, Senior Research Fellow, Australian Council for Educational Research Centre for Global Education Monitoring (ACER-GEM) and Maurice Walker, Research Director Education Policy and Practice, Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)
