Language Proficiency Test Consultant

Overview

The ABC+: Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines project, funded by USAID, is seeking applications for at least 3 Language Proficiency Test Consultants to assess the 35 control schools and 35 pilot schools that are part of the implementation of the MATATAG curriculum in Regions I, II, VII, XII, CAR, NCR, and CARAGA Region. This role involves determining the first language of grade one learners and assessing the proficiency level of learners in the languages used in the classroom. The goal is to provide educators with insights to customize instructional strategies, supporting language development, and academic progress of learners, in line with the implementation of the MATATAG curriculum in the ensuing school year. The consultants are expected to design the appropriate language identification tool and language proficiency test to determine the learners’ readiness in understanding the Medium of Instruction in the mother tongue and Filipino. The consultants must prepare a workplan that includes training identified DepEd personnel who will administer the tool and the test, supervise the administration, and prepare the final report on the study results.

Aligned with the Department of Education's directive, this activity addresses language diversity concerns in classrooms, fostering enhanced literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning in the early grades, and provide valuable inputs to the study on the pilot implementation of the MATATAG curriculum, in select regions, divisions, and schools.

The Language Proficiency Test Consultants will work with the Education Systems Strengthening Advisor and the Chief of Party on the design of the activity. The position will be based remotely and will report to the Education Systems Strengthening Advisor (ESSA).

Period and Place of Performance

The performance period is from mid-April 2024 until June 2024, totaling 60 LOE days. The place of performance will be in the identified regions where the MATATAG curriculum is being piloted. The Language Proficiency Test Consultants will be engaged, and payment will be based on output.

1. Make an inventory of the spoken languages in the pilot and control schools of the MATATAG curriculum.

2. Develop a tool to determine the L1 of the Grade 1 learners and test to determine their levels of proficiency in the MOI

3. Provide Technical assistance in the capacity-building of DepEd personnel in deploying the Language identification tool and administering the language proficiency test.

4. Oversee the actual implementation of the tool and the administration of the language proficiency test.

5. Consolidation and final report of the test.

Language Proficiency: Ability to proficiently communicate in relevant languages used in the specified regions,

both orally and in writing.

· Education Background: Bachelor’s degree in education, linguistics, or a related field is required; higher qualifications are preferred.

· Expertise: Advanced understanding of language assessment methods and curriculum development, preferably with a proven track record.

· Research Skills: Ability to conduct thorough educational research and apply findings effectively.

· Tech Proficiency: Comfortable with advanced technology tools for assessment, data analysis, and reporting.

· Leadership: Capable of leading teams and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

· Cultural Awareness: Sensitivity to diverse linguistic and cultural contexts within the Philippines.

· Strategic Planning: Skillful in strategic planning to manage all aspects of assessment projects efficiently.