OREANDA-NEWS. On May 12, 2009 The World Bank Board of Directors approved a US25 million credit for the Armenia Second Education Quality and Relevance Project (APL II). The credit by the International Development Association (IDA) will assist Armenia in its efforts to improve the quality and relevance of its educational system, to ensure that students graduate with competitive skills, reported the press-centre of World Bank.

This is the second phase of the second education project supported by the World Bank over the past 12 years in Armenia.
 
The project will enhance the curriculum and teaching methods in education, the readiness of children entering primary schools, and the integration of the Armenian tertiary education system into the European higher education area.

Past projects have accomplished a great deal. The National Curriculum Framework has been developed, a transparent examination system and enhanced capacity to assess student performance has been introduced, along with the creation of the Assessment and Testing Center, the National Center of Education Technology, and an effective Computer Revolving scheme which has allowed 85 percent of the schools in the country to set up computer labs. In addition, a massive in-service teacher training effort has been carried out through an improved National Institute of Education and consolidation of a successful per capita funding system resulted in substantial efficiency gains and enhanced school autonomy.

“This new project builds on the achievements of Armenia’s reforms so far, while extending the agenda to encompass preschool and higher education,” said Juan Manuel Moreno, Leader of the World Bank team for the project. “It will comprehensively support the Government’s efforts to accelerate the implementation of preschool, general and tertiary education reforms despite the adverse consequences of the global economic crisis.”
 
The project will help the Armenian Education system meet critical challenges. These include reversing the current deterioration – in enrollments and in quality – of preschool education; supporting the implementation of the 12-year general education system; improving teacher quality through pre-service and in-service training; and, contributing to Armenia’s integration in the European Higher Education Area.
 
The Second Education Quality and Relevance project has two main components:
 
1. Enhancing the Quality of General Education.  Activities will aim to increase the readiness for general education of approximately 8,750 children, while 140 of the poorest communities will benefit from targeted grants to enhance the quality of preschool education. The quality of teaching will be improved through training of 2750 high-school teachers and 150 principals, and by creating a school improvement network. In addition, investments will ensure that all schools in Armenia are equipped with up-to-date technologies, that about 400 of the most remote schools are connected to the Internet, and that these technologies effectively enhance learning. Further, the curriculum and assessment of the 12-year general education system will be improved so that future graduates will be equipped with relevant and competitive knowledge and skills.
 
2. Supporting tertiary education reforms to help achieve standards similar to education systems in Europe.  The project will establish and strengthen the capacity of the National Quality Assurance system for tertiary education. An integrated Tertiary Education Management Information System (TEMIS) will be created to support policy planning, management, monitoring and evaluation of performance of education. The component will also support the design and piloting of a sustainable financing system for tertiary education, including student loans and a Competitive Innovation Fund for the financing of Universities.
The Credit will be provided to Armenia on standard IDA terms, including 20 years maturity and a 10-year grace period.
 
Since joining the World Bank in 1992 and IDA in 1993, commitments to Armenia total approximately US1187 million.