The READ 2 Trust Fund will help countries to improve their capacity to monitor and support student learning through the design, implementation, and use of strong assessment systems. Eight countries have been selected to receive grants under the READ 2 Trust Fund Program: Armenia, Cambodia, India, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Tajikistan, and Vietnam.

Overall, 17 country teams submitted proposals for a READ 2 grant. Each proposal underwent rigorous review by a team of independent experts. Shortlisted proposals were discussed and approved by the READ Council, which is made up of leaders from the World Bank and the Russian Federation.

Four countries on the approved list—Armenia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Vietnam—also received grants under READ 1. These countries will continue to build on their earlier work under READ 2.

ARMENIA

Armenia’s economy has undergone a profound transformation since independence. Sustained growth, ambitious reforms, as well as inflows of capital and remittances have created a market-oriented environment. However, the global financial crisis has impacted the economy significantly.

FOCUS AREAS IN EDUCATION

Enhancing stakeholder capacity to use assessment data to improve teaching and learning
High-stakes examination reform
Training and professional development of teachers in use of classroom assessment practices

CAMBODIA

Cambodia is increasingly integrating with the region and has enjoyed a decade of macroeconomic stability and growth. However, its progress in meeting the Millennium Development Goals is uneven.

FOCUS AREAS IN EDUCATION

Dissemination and feedback mechanisms for National Assessment results
Enhanced capacity to use National Assessment data with other stakeholders

INDIA

With a population of more than 1.2 billion, India is the world’s largest democracy. Over the past decade, the country’s integration into the global economy has been accompanied by economic growth. India has now emerged as a global player.

FOCUS AREAS IN EDUCATION

Enhancing stakeholder capacity to use assessment data to improve teaching and learning
Setting up regional network for sharing of good practices and resources on assessment

KYRGYZSTAN

The Kyrgyz Republic has maintained macroeconomic stability, invested in infrastructure, and improved access to social services. To realize its full potential, economic activities should be diversified through increased private sector development, improved skills and productivity in the labor force.

FOCUS AREAS IN EDUCATION

Enhancing stakeholder capacity to use assessment data to improve teaching and learning
High-stakes examination program reform
Training and professional development of teachers in use of classroom assessment practices

TAJIKISTAN

Public investment in major infrastructure projects and recovering remittances supported economic growth in the first half of 2018. These factors will drive Tajikistan’s economy over the medium term, sustaining real GDP growth of around 6% in 2018–2020.

FOCUS AREAS IN EDUCATION

Enhancing classroom assessment practices nationwide

NEPAL

Nepal grew by 6.3 percent in FY 2018 despite less favorable monsoons and the easing of rapid growth that ensued following the trade blockade in FY 2016.

FOCUS AREAS IN EDUCATION

Enhancing stakeholder capacity to use assessment data to improve teaching and learning
High-stakes examination program reform

MONGOLIA

Over the past 25 years, Mongolia has transformed into a vibrant democracy, with treble the level of GDP per capita and increasing school enrollments, and dramatic declines in maternal mortality and child mortality.

FOCUS AREAS IN EDUCATION

Enhancing stakeholder capacity to use assessment data to improve teaching and learning
Training and professional development of teachers in use of classroom assessment practices

VIETNAM

Vietnam’s shift from a centrally planned to a market economy has transformed the country from one of the poorest in the world into a lower middle-income country. Vietnam now is one of the most dynamic emerging countries in East Asia region.

FOCUS AREAS IN EDUCATION

Enhancing stakeholder capacity to use assessment data to improve teaching and learning
High-stakes examination program reform
Training and professional development of teachers in classroom assessment practices