World Bank Implementation Support Mission

Innovation, Inclusion and Quality Project (I2Q Project) is an important support mechanism for the education reform. The project is implemented with the support of the World Bank. The World Bank representatives carry out a project implementation support mission twice a year, which includes the monitoring project progress and achieved results, as well as identifying challenges and setting next steps.

Within the scope of the support mission on September 26 through October 3, the WB representatives held meetings in the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia with managers,  MES several units’ and LEPLs’ representatives, as well as , I2Q Project team members. Meeting also were held with representatives of the donor organizations’ acting in the education sector. The WB representatives also visited the schools that are being under rehabilitation within the I2Q Project.

The WB representatives heard out in details the I2Q Project progress, completed and running assignments, also planned activities and gave the positive evaluation to the achieved results.

Completed works as of October 2022:

Component 1 – Improving Quality of and Access to Early Childhood Education

• The diagnostic study of Early Childhood Education in Georgia is completed and relevant recommendations are developed. The developed recommendations will be the basis of the reform-supporting activities within the I2Q project. The study was carried out by the international consulting company PPMI Group, the International Association ISSA, and the Preschool and Inclusive Education at Ilia State University (June 2022);
• The San Diego State University Research Foundation – SDSURF was selected through an international tender to implement the multi-component intervention – “Consulting Services for Improving Early Childhood Education Institution Management Service and Enhancing the Quality of Program Across the Country”. The company will work until February 2026 to implement the activities to improve the quality of programs. These activities will serve as a support mechanism for interventions to be implemented following the legislative changes.

Component 2 – Fostering Quality Teaching and Learning in General Education

• The full fee for participation in the 2023 cycle of TIMSS international assessment was covered (based on the request of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and the agreement with the World Bank).
• A multicomponent diagnostic study of general education is completed, and recommendations are submitted for further interventions. The study was conducted by the International Consultant company Mathematica Inc/USA with PMCG (June 2022).
• On August 15, 2022, International Consortium with the leadership of IBF International Consulting S.A. in partnership with the consortium members: European Projects Management Ltd, The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge, and in sub consultancy with Center for Strategy and Development (CSD) started working on the– Fostering Quality Teaching and Learning in General Education through Introduction of Effective Quality Management System, Whole School Improvement Plan, and Programs, Improved Assessment Policy, Practice, and Methodology. The contract duration is 42 months.
• The work on the development of the general education quality assurance policy framework document has been completed (June 2022).
• The work on the development of the national assessment policy document for general education has been completed within the scope of consultant services (June 2022).
• Work on the development of the concept of educational resource centers and the concept of selection of school principals has been completed (July 2022).
• With the consultations with the World Bank and the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, the I2Q Project supported MES in developing the Unified Education and Science Strategy (2022-2032) and Action Plan (2022-2021) with the involvement of the international and local experts (October 2021).

Component 3 – Strengthening Financing Options and Promoting Internationalization in Higher Education

• A complete package of regulatory documentation for the Competitive Innovation Fund (CIF) was prepared. CIF as an administrative unit was recruited. The consultation meetings are in progress with HEIs. The CIF will start operating in November. The financing will support the HEIs to modernize the learning environment and education programs.
• International Consultant Company IBF carried out a study of local and international practices to develop new options for higher education funding, performance-based funding options among them.

Component 4 – System Strengthening

 To avoid the threats of cyber-attacks and to respond to the challenges caused by the pandemic related to COVID-19, the purchase of a license for the Checkpoint security system was financed within the framework of the project;

• During the pandemic, when institutions moved online, the primary focus was on acquiring the tools required for online learning and ensuring access to technology and equipment. With the support of the World Bank 6350 laptops and 898 projectors worth USD 3 572 780 were purchased and spread in 433 schools.
• Wi-Fi networks are installed in 121 public schools in Georgia. The installation process will end on November 6, 2022
• For the National Center for Examinations and Assessments capacity building in the introducing electronic assessments sector, the greater part of the work determined by the contract has been completed by the company selected through the tender to conduct administrative and technical training of the TAO platform;
• EMIS diagnostic study is conducted. The Consultant Company will use the study findings to develop recommendations to improve and strengthen the system.

Infrastructure Projects

• In cooperation with the MES, 150 schools were identified, in which child-oriented school readiness programs will be implemented in rehabilitated areas:
  • project designs were prepared for 42 schools;
  • Rehabilitation works are completed in 11 schools;
  • Rehabilitation works are underway in 31 schools.
  • Procedures for preparing project designs for 40 schools are underway. The work will be completed by the end of this year. The rehabilitation works in 150 schools are scheduled to be completed by September 2023.
• New, modern standards are being developed for improving the physical and educational environment of schools. The new standards are based on concrete educational requirements and will be adjusted to the national curriculum. The new standards will regulate architectural/construction issues and define the mandatory spaces, requirements, and recommendations. The estimated period of completion of work is May 2023.

Ongoing Important Activities:

• For the enhancement of the quality of teacher training educational programs and opportunities for continuous professional development, relevant procurement procedures are underway. The work is scheduled to be completed in November 2022;
• A tender is underway for the procurement of services for the implementation of the multi-component activity – “Supporting the Internationalization of Higher Education”. The estimated period of implementation is December 2022 – October 2025;
• Works are underway on developing training resources and guides for schools on selected distance learning platform(s) and teaching methodology application, conducting ToT. The estimated period for work completion is March 2023;
• Works are underway on the development of the accounting policy for the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and its Subordinated Organizations. The estimated period for work completion is July 2023;
• Works are underway for a tender announcement for the development of EMIS capacity-building activities and terms of reference for the implementation of LMS and EMS systems.