MDG 2: Achieve Universal Basic Education

Case Study: Strengthening Basic Education in El Salvador

El Salvador has made considerable progress toward reaching universal primary education, from 86% in 2001 to 93.7% in 2011, but challenges remain in guaranteeing the quality of education, especially in rural areas. The Strengthening Basic Education Program, launched by USAID in partnership with the Salvadoran Ministry of Education (MINED), seeks to equitably improve student learning achievement at the primary school level.

Major achievements of the Strengthening Basic Education Program over the last six years include:

• Curriculum/Materials Development: Developed national Spanish language curricula materials for grades 1-6 in 5,300 public schools nationwide.
• Public Private Partnerships: Established to provide rural schools with additional educational materials and technology which has increased enrollment, especially among girls.
• Outreach to out-of-school youth: Activities implemented to keep students in school and to recruit children who were not attending classes.

According to 2005-2008 assessments, student achievement in schools participating in the program improved at more than double the rate of average improvement in public schools nationwide.

School San German: Students are using the textbooks on the competencies-based language curriculum.

USAID