Africa-Press – Tanzania. ENSURING that every child acquires the ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic by the time they reach Standard Three remains a critical priority for Tanzania’s education sector.
As the country implements the Strategic Framework for Foundational Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, education stakeholders say effective Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is central to achieving the intended outcomes and sustaining long-term learning gains.
The implementation of the Strategic Framework for Foundational Reading, Writing and Arithmetic requires a systematic, evidence-based approach to tracking progress, assessing performance and guiding decision-making.
Monitoring and Evaluation provide the necessary structure to determine whether the objectives of the framework are being achieved and whether interventions are translating into measurable improvements in children’s foundational learning skills.
Education experts note that without a strong M&E system, even well-designed education reforms risk being undermined by inefficiencies, weak coordination and limited accountability.
The primary objective of Monitoring and Evaluation within the Strategic Framework for Foundational Reading, Writing and Arithmetic is to guide implementation in a manner that enhances efficiency, effectiveness and productivity. The framework establishes clear mechanisms for assessing progress throughout the implementation cycle, from early activities to outcomes.
By focusing on both processes and results, Monitoring and Evaluation enable education authorities to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and ensure that the framework remains responsive to emerging challenges in teaching and learning.
Through clearly defined performance indicators, Monitoring and Evaluation generate reliable data on the implementation of the framework at various levels, including inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes.
These indicators make it possible to assess the availability and utilisation of teaching and learning materials, the quality of classroom instruction, teacher competence and learner achievement in reading, writing and arithmetic. Performance reports prepared on a quarterly, semiannual and annual basis provide education managers and policymakers with timely information to support informed and responsive decision-making.
One of the key strengths of the Monitoring and Evaluation system under the Strategic Framework for Foundational Reading, Writing and Arithmetic is its emphasis on evidence-based planning and action. Data collected from schools, Local government authorities, and regional education offices are analysed to provide a clear picture of children’s learning progress across the country.
Where assessments reveal gaps in foundational skills, targeted interventions such as remedial instruction, teacher coaching and curriculum adjustments can be introduced promptly. This approach ensures that responses are guided by evidence rather than assumptions, leading to more effective use of resources and improved learning outcomes. Accountability is another critical element reinforced through Monitoring and Evaluation.
The framework ensures that financial, human and material resources allocated to the implementation of foundational learning interventions are used efficiently and transparently.
By linking resources to measurable results, Monitoring and Evaluation supports value for money and strengthens confidence among stakeholders, including parents, communities and development partners.
The Strategic Framework for Foundational Reading, Writing and Arithmetic clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders at all levels, from the central government to Local government authorities, schools, the private sector and development partners, ensuring that each actor is accountable for their contribution to improving foundational learning outcomes.
The coordination of Monitoring and Evaluation is led by the Ministry responsible for education in collaboration with other ministries, government and non-government institutions, development partners and communities. This collaborative approach ensures that data collection, analysis and reporting are harmonised and aligned with national education priorities.
Information flows from the school level to district, regional and national levels, creating a bottom-up reporting system that reflects realities on the ground and enhances the relevance of policy decisions.
Monitoring and Evaluation also play an important role in strengthening stakeholder coordination. Regular performance reviews, evaluation meetings and feedback sessions provide platforms for dialogue among education stakeholders.
These engagements promote shared learning, enable the identification of good practices and support the timely resolution of implementation challenges.
By fostering collaboration and shared responsibility, the Monitoring and Evaluation framework enhances ownership of the Strategic Framework for Foundational Reading, Writing and Arithmetic and promotes consistency in implementation across regions and learning environments.
Beyond measuring shortterm results, Monitoring and Evaluation are integral to ensuring the sustainability of gains in reading, writing and arithmetic.
The Strategic Framework places strong emphasis on continuous assessment, teacher professional development and institutional learning as key drivers of longterm improvement in teaching and learning. Sustainable interventions include inclusive early childhood education, child-centred teaching approaches, continuous teacher training and the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to track learner progress and inform instructional planning.
The framework also supports smooth transitions from pre-primary to primary education by tracking children’s developmental progress and ensuring continuity in teaching approaches. This focus reduces learning disruptions, strengthens children’s confidence and enhances readiness for formal schooling.
By using learnerlevel data, teachers are better positioned to respond to individual learning needs and promote inclusive education for all children, including those with special needs. Monitoring and Evaluation further extend to assessing the quality of learning environments and child welfare.
The Strategic Framework for Foundational Reading, Writing and Arithmetic recognise that safe, inclusive and supportive school environments are essential for effective learning.
Through Monitoring and Evaluation processes, schools are assessed on infrastructure, availability of learning materials, sanitation, lighting and child protection measures.
Attention is also given to children’s social and emotional well-being, recognising its influence on academic performance and overall development. Primary education remains a cornerstone of Tanzania’s social and economic development.
Children who acquire strong foundational skills in reading, writing and arithmetic at an early age are more likely to succeed academically, remain in school and develop the competencies required for productive participation in society.
By providing a structured and evidence-based approach to implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation ensure that the objectives of the Strategic Framework for Foundational Reading, Writing and Arithmetic are pursued systematically and equitably. As Tanzania continues to advance education reforms, a sustained commitment to strategic Monitoring and Evaluation will be essential.
By guiding implementation, strengthening accountability and supporting data-driven decision-making, Monitoring and Evaluation transform policy commitments into measurable classroom impact. Ultimately, this approach will ensure that no child is left behind and that the country builds a strong and inclusive foundation for national development.
Source: Daily News – Tanzania Standard Newspapers
