Early Grade Numeracy Consultants

Overview

The USAID-funded ABC+: Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines project is currently seeking for four - six Early Grade Numeracy Consultants to be part of the pool of content experts to be tapped in support of DepEd’s National Math Program. This activity will work with the Government of the Philippines’ Department of Education to support improved numeracy interventions in grades K-3. The project will target various regions in the country.

ABC+ will work with multiple consultants under the direction of the Deputy Chief of Party-Technical Programs, Instructional Delivery and Materials Manager and the IR1 team. This is a short-term consultancy engagement with activities for about six months with a possibility of extension.

The Early Grade Numeracy Consultant will primarily help develop a training program for Key Math Personnel of the Department of Education and will develop learning resources in support of the MATATAG Curriculum. S/he will work closely with other Early Numeracy consultants and RTI team for alignment. S/he must ensure appropriateness of methodology for adult learners in DepEd context and practice the training flow together with the RTI team to ensure its viability for scale and knowledge and skills transfer to DepEd pool of Trainers.

Period of Performance

The Early Grade Numeracy Consultant will be engaged as soon as possible, and all work must be scheduled to be completed within the agreed timeframe. Any modifications or extensions shall be mutually agreed upon in writing and approved by the Chief of Party.

Place of Performance

The consultant shall perform the work online and face-to-face depending on the needs of the partners. The work will entail participation and facilitation of check-in meetings, workshops, trainings, and the like with high likelihood of travel. Lastly, the schedule of DepEd partners is considered when finalizing the schedule of activities hence last-minute changes are at times unavoidable and outside the control of ABC+.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with other Math specialists:

• Design and development of Early Grade Numeracy Training for Key Math Personnel of DepEd
• Under the guidance of RTI team and in coordination with DepEd, develop an Early Grade Mathematics training program for key Math personnel of the Department of Education.
• Convert the training program design into small learning sessions and develop LAC modules easy for teachers to use for one-two-hour professional development sessions.
• Review and analyze international and national assessment scores (including Rapid Math Assessment) and other relevant materials and embed learnings in the prioritization of topics and competencies for the training.
• Review and analyze existing designs for Math teacher training (i.e. ENI training series, DepEd national math trainings) to identify gaps and possible topics for integration in the new Math training package.
• Participate and facilitate the workshop on training design development and prepare relevant learning materials needed.
• Consolidate and finalize the complete Math training resource package.
• Design and development of Early Grade Numeracy Training Resource Package
• Develop learning materials such as but is not limited to training design, training guidebook, pre and posttests, slide decks, etc. aligned with the context and standards of DepEd.
• Facilitate content review sessions with DepEd to ensure alignment and approval of training design vis-a-vis National Math Program priorities.
• Facilitate walkthrough sessions on the use of learning resources.
• Conduct FGDs or other mechanisms and gather feedback on the appropriateness of the training resources.
• Review, revise and finalize the training resource package for turnover to DepEd.
• Facilitation and Conduct of the Early Grade Numeracy Training: Face-to-Face Training of Trainers (Learning Delivery)
• Facilitate the Early Grade Numeracy Training in close collaboration with RTI Team and DepEd partners.
• Prepare and study the presentation materials for assigned sessions.
• Serve as resource person and main learning facilitator during the training proper, ensure proper transfer of content and process vis-à-vis f2f training design.
• Conduct coaching sessions during and post the training as needed and stated in the design.
• Ensure high quality delivery of content, process and outputs during the training.
• Post Monitoring Support: F2F or Online
• Conduct follow-through support sessions such as but not limited to check-in call, debriefs, TA or coaching sessions of assigned group of participants.
• Document the support sessions conducted and recommend ways forward.
  
  

Overall, the Early Grade Numeracy Consultant is expected to support ABC+ in the conduct of the following key activities vis-à-vis its professional development programs:

The targeted number of training groups to be catered to (trained, supported, observed and monitored) are estimated at maximum vis-à-vis implementation targets. This will be further confirmed with DepEd based on their final training configuration; assigned groupings may vary - schedule and training rosters will be closely coordinated by the ABC+ team. The detailed tasks, deliverables, and targeted timelines are outlined in the next section.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics education and other related field with at least 10 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree in any related field with at least 8 years’ experience.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in developing training design and manual on numeracy for early grades
• Two years or above experience in teaching early grade mathematics
• Experience in DepEd project engagements, specifically on training instructional leaders and K-3 teachers.
• Deep understanding of DepEd professional development program context.
• Familiarity in different learning delivery modalities for early grades, an advantage.
• Experience in developing instructional design, learning resources and module development.
• Experience in working on curriculum alignment and crafting of learning competencies and objectives.
• Proven ability as a trainer/facilitator (face to face, online, modular)
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and in a team efficiently and effectively is essential.
• Equipped with necessary tools, equipment, and supplies to effectively engage with the team and accomplish tasks required.
• Strong oral/written communication skills.
• Must be professionally proficient and fluent in written and spoken English. It is preferred, but not required, that the candidate be conversant and fluent in Filipino and/or other local languages.