Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – According to an assessment of the USAID Reading Together project presented on Tuesday, January 17, primary grade students who participate in the project demonstrate significantly improved reading skills. Teachers trained through USAID Reading Together have also increased their use of effective teaching methods, and more parents are reading with their children as result of the project.

The study assessed the reading achievements of students in grades 1 through 4, both at schools assisted by the project and at schools where assistance has not yet begun.

The findings show that the USAID Reading Together project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has a positive impact on reading skills. For example, listening and reading comprehension in grade 2 has increased by nearly 10 percent. Also, the number of teachers that use effective teaching methods has doubled, demonstrating their effective use of skills and knowledge gained through the project.

The study also assessed children’s home reading environments. Compared to when USAID Reading Together began in 2014, parents are now more engaged in home reading and they spend more time reading with their children. Thanks to the project, most parents now realize that reading skills are important for their children’s success.

The results will be used by policy makers, school leaders, parents, and teachers to make decisions to improve primary grade reading skills throughout the country.

Under the Reading Together project, USAID partners with the Ministry of Education and Science to set new reading standards, develop guidelines for schools, train teachers, evaluate students’ reading skills, and organize community events to promote reading throughout the country.