The overall objective of the Second Phase of the Basic Education Project is to continue supporting the Government of Uzbekistan's (GoU) efforts to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning through: (1) targeted interventions in selected general secondary education schools and preschools in poor, rural areas; (2) development of institutional capacity to assess student learning; and (3) adoption of predictable and transparent school budgets in selected oblasts. There are five components to the project. The first component of the project is providing learning materials and resources for grades five through nine of general secondary schools. The objective of this component is to improve the quality of teaching and learning in project schools through effective use of learning materials and resources acquired under the project. The second component of the project is strengthening school-based training for teachers and directors in preschools and general secondary schools. The objective of this component is to change teaching in project schools and preschools towards a more interactive, student-centered approach to improve learning outcomes. The third component of the project is strengthening school boards and providing competitive grants to selected schools for school improvement. The objective of this component is to increase further the involvement of school boards in project schools and provide competitive funding for school improvement. The fourth component of the project is improving education financing, budgeting, and management. The objective of this component is to improve education financing, budgeting, and school management in selected oblasts. The fifth component of the project is supporting project management and results management. The objective of this component is to support project management, implement national standardized assessment of student learning, and evaluate project effectiveness.
