Summative multi-dimensional learning evaluation in times of crises: Lessons from Syria

• In Event: Assessing holistic learning outcomes throughout the educational life cycle: Lessons from crisis-affected communities in Syria

Proposal

Given the need to ensure children are best supported and learning in nonformal and formal education programming in MYRP supported schools in Syria, this presentation focuses on summative and comparable learning assessment outcomes across northeast and northwest Syria as well as areas under governance by the Syrian government in Damascus. This research uses the Holistic Assessment for Learning and Development Outcomes (HALDO) tool to assess literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning of children aged 4-12 impacted by crises. This outcome evaluation tracks students over the course of one semester. We sought a random representative sample children in MYRP supported schools by region and sex. Data is analyzed using descriptive data to summarize children’s demographics and outcomes tracked from baseline to endline. Multivariate regressions are also conducted to understand the relationship between children's learning outcomes and key demographic factors, such as sex, age, socio-economic status, disability or difficulties, home learning environment, and region. We use attendance as a predictor to measure program dosage and it’s relationship with learning outcomes.

The presentation focuses on results from the outcome evaluation to enhance future programming by practitioners and those interested in measuring holistic learning in emergency settings. Specifically, we found that 92% of children sampled in 2022 and 84% of children sampled in 2023 increased foundational skills, as measured by HALDO in northeast and northwest Syria over just two months of programming. Data from the governorates led by the Syrian government in Damascus will be analyzed in August 2023 and presented alongside historical and comparable data gathered in programming in northeast and northwest Syria. Results of demographic and equity analyses are also presented by sex, age, self-reported difficulties as a proxy for disability, and location. HALDO results offer a comprehensive snapshot of children's learning to target programming, can be used to evaluate change over time, and inform decision-making processes, response priorities, and policy discussions. Lessons from this study focus on program improvements in the MYRP, for researchers working in other crisis affected contexts, and for policy makers within Syria and who focus on global education in emergencies programming.

Author

• Allyson Krupar, Save the Children US