Transforming STEM teacher and learner education through data in Comoros

This project seeks to generate and mobilize evidence to support development of a comprehensive science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) policy covering pre-primary to junior high education levels in the islands of Comoros. The project is a component of the Comoros 2023-2030 National Education Sector Plan co-created with the government and endorsed by its technical and funding partners.

The specific objectives of the project are to generate critical insights into student learning outcomes, teacher readiness and resource availability as well as gender disparities in participation in STEM streams. It will collect and analyze accurate data on student performance, teacher readiness, available resources and girls' participation in STEM. The project will utilize mixed methods, randomized controlled trial design, teacher and student surveys, classroom observations, interviews and discussions. The aims are to develop a targeted STEM improvement plan and initiate reforms that will inform the future national policy and its implementation.

It is expected that this structured and data-driven approach will lay the foundation for the successful implementation of the new policy and strategy, ensuring that by 2031, STEM education in Comoros will be significantly improved, with increased student skills, increased participation in science streams, and better-trained teachers, ensuring long-term educational success.

This project is supported through the Knowledge and Information Exchange of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE-KIX), a joint endeavour between IDRC and the GPE to strengthen national education systems and accelerate educational progress in the Global South.