USAID Primary Education Project

The main objective of this component is to help in building students critical thinking skills to succeed in a knowledge-based global economy.

To achieve this PEP will:

Train math and science teachers in using modern, active teaching methods, such as problem-solving and inquiry- and project-based approaches; (Through a variety of models of professional development delivery, such as mentor teachers, regional training and school-based programs, PEP will reach all math and science teachers to help them adopt and practice effective and innovative teaching and learning practices in their classrooms. Through the PEP, teachers will have a range of support systems at their disposal, including Indiana University professors, Math and Science university professors from Macedonian Universities, BDE advisors, State Educational Inspectors, trainers, mentors, other training partners and peer learning team leaders.)

Support reforms to the math and science curricula to provide students with relevant skills for their roles in the 21 st Century workplace; (PEP will develop knowledge-based standards for each subject area as well as pedagogical standards for teaching math and sciences.)

Help in developing school-based and national networks to support teacher’s professional development; (With this a model for successful partnership and peer support for teachers will be established.)

Conduct trainings and develop content for student’s math & science clubs in schools, where students will work on investigations and projects;

Create print, digital and hands-on instructional resources to improve teaching and learning. (PEP will enhance teachers’ capacity to create locally-appropriate learning resources, focusing particularly on especially hard-to-grasp concepts for students. PEP aims to develop modules for each section of the curriculum. All the developed contents will be available on-line for all teachers.)

Train teachers in developing test items for math and science that measure critical and analytical thinking, problem solving and research skills.