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Reflecting on the Uzbekistan Education for Excellence Program: Challenging the status quo and fostering change through innovation

Wed, March 13, 6:30 to 8:00pm, Hyatt Regency Miami, Floor: Third Level, President Room

Group Submission Type: Formal Panel Session

Proposal

This panel presentation focuses on the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned from implementing the Uzbekistan Education for Excellence Program (2019-2023) in the Republic of Uzbekistan, specifically in improving English language instruction in grades 1-11 through the development of instructional materials, digital resources, and a systematic teacher professional development system.

The Ministry of Preschool and School Education (MoPSE) in Uzbekistan is dedicated to implementing comprehensive educational reforms to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills in students. The Uzbekistan Education for Excellence Program (the Program), a four-year initiative funded by USAID, was launched in December 2019 to support the sustainable improvement of skills in Uzbek Language Arts (ULA), Mathematics, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Implemented by RTI International in collaboration with Florida State University (FSU) and Mississippi State University (MSU), the Program has challenged the status quo, embraced adaptability, and fostered collaboration to effect change in the national education system.

Addressing Challenges and Achievements: Throughout the Program's implementation, several challenges were encountered, including global epidemics. However, the Program demonstrated adaptability and collaboration, utilizing technology to share resources and overcome obstacles. Lessons were learned from these challenges, enhancing the capacity to address future obstacles effectively. Notably, the Program has achieved significant progress and made a lasting impact in various areas:

1. Enhancing ULA and math outcomes in grades 1-4.
2. Improving ICT instruction for grades 5-11.
3. Advancing English language instruction in grades 1-11.

Lessons Learned from the Uzbekistan Education for Excellence Program:
The implementation of the Uzbekistan Education for Excellence Program has yielded valuable insights and lessons. The Program's impact on the targeted problem of enhancing educational outcomes has been noticeable. Through applied research and evaluation, the Program assessed its effectiveness and impact, providing data for instructional refinement, potential improvement, and educational research.

From Vision to Implementation: In 2017, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education (MoPSE) launched an ambitious education reform initiative in Uzbekistan, aiming to improve the educational system. From 2019 to 2023, the reform focused on equipping graduates with 21st-century skills, including English proficiency and practical workforce-related abilities. Recognizing the importance of enhancing teachers' skills, the Ministry implemented student-centered methodologies, provided high-quality instructional materials, and offered sustainable professional development through online and face-to-face training. Additionally, efforts were made to equip classrooms with necessary technology such as computers and internet connectivity.

To support educational reform, the Uzbekistan Education for Excellence Program partnered with MoPSE to establish foundational elements. These elements included student standards, high quality instructional materials, comprehensive teacher training, a modern digital platform, and an effective monitoring and evaluation protocol. For teacher professional development, various resources were made available, including virtual trainings, instructional support, communities of learning and coaching, workshops for school directors, and eLearning modules and videos to maximize the effectiveness of new instructional materials and teaching methodology. Throughout the Program several studies were carried out, such as the Teacher Support System Study (TSSS), to investigate the teacher support system and explore options for enhancing teachers' content knowledge and pedagogical skills.

The Program actively engaged teachers through communication channels and technology-based resources, utilizing existing structures, teacher guides, school administration involvement, sensitization messages via Telegram, face-to-face and online training, the Moodle Learning Management System, virtual workshops, and communities of learning and coaching. In addition, selected local teachers joined the Program teams to provide input and validate every educational product prior to implementation.

In June 2022, the Program organized a workshop on Standards-Based Teaching and Learning Materials for EFL in Uzbekistan, involving teachers, policymakers, instructional designers, various stakeholders, and organizations. The workshop aimed to introduce new instructional materials and engage participants in activities focused on implementing learning standards, enhancing teaching practices, evaluating student learning, and developing standards-aligned materials.

To strengthen English instruction, the Program developed EFL learning standards based on the Common European Frame of Reference (CEFR) for languages aiming to facilitate country progress towards the government initiative of Uzbekistan an English-speaking nation by 2030. Around 800 teachers received training, and customized textbooks were distributed to ensure access to quality materials for over 6 million students. The Program selected, reviewed, and aligned Cambridge series instructional materials with the Uzbekistan educational system, making necessary changes and devising professional development videos.

Customizing Teaching and Learning Materials for EFL: The Program's focus on English language instruction in Uzbekistan has been pivotal. To achieve the goal of an English-speaking nation by 2030, the Program collaborated with MoPSE to customize internationally recognized teaching and learning materials for EFL instruction in grades 1-11. This customization process involved aligning lessons to Uzbekistan instructional hours, adding essential content to teacher's books, making culturally appropriate modifications, and developing instructional videos for targeted teacher support.

Assessing the Impact of Program Interventions: The Program's impact on EFL instruction was assessed through various means. Approximately 800 teachers received specialized training, and 33 English books for grades 1-11 were customized and adapted to the instructional time for EFL in public schools in Uzbekistan. Teacher’s Books, Student’s Books, and Workbooks were distributed to over six million students and tens of thousands of teachers. The materials have positively affected the quality of instruction, providing a solid foundation for English language learning. Additionally, the Program conducted a Status of Instruction Study (SIS) to evaluate the adoption and impact of the new English language instructional materials in public schools. The findings of the study provided insights into the effectiveness of the materials and their contribution to enhancing EFL teaching and student learning.

Conclusion: The Uzbekistan Education for Excellence Program has successfully challenged the status quo and addressed the critical question of how education can be a catalyst for change. Through applied research and collaboration, the Program has developed and customized teaching and learning materials, supported teacher professional development, and strengthened English language instruction in Uzbekistan's public schools. The achievements of the Program have had a significant impact on the education system, paving the way for further improvements and advancements. By embracing adaptability and utilizing technology, the Program has demonstrated the capacity to overcome challenges and create sustainable change.

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