Select schools with bureau partners
We partner with the Oromia Education Bureau and school directors to select schools by need and feasibility.
The problem
One curriculum can hide many reading levels.
In government classrooms in Assela, children in the same grade can be years apart in reading ability. The curriculum moves by grade. The child does not.
We are working with the Oromia Education Bureau and school directors in Assela to run the first cycle. I founded BiftuSpark, designed the Reading Corps model, and will lead the pilot.
How it works
Assess every child. Teach at their level. Publish every result.
Reading Corps uses Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), developed by Pratham and validated with J-PAL researchers. We assess each child, group by reading level (not grade), and run a structured daily practice. Then we reassess and publish the results.
Evidence spine
Assess. Group. Tutor. Reassess.
A simple cycle drawn from remedial learning models used in other programs: stop guessing, check every child, teach at the right level, verify the result, and publish what changed.
Assess every child individually
We use a short oral reading check adapted from ASER and EGRA tools in the school's language of instruction.
Group by reading level
Place children at Beginner, Letter, Word, Paragraph, or Story level. No group is labeled remedial.
Practice daily with tutors
45 minutes of small-group reading practice each school day.
Coach and verify
A mentor-coordinator observes tutors, models activities, and independently re-tests a random sample of children.
Report the cycle
Publish level movement, verification notes, and actual spending before deciding whether to expand.
Current focus
The immediate need is one disciplined first cycle.
Phase 1 costs $100,000. That funds five schools in Assela, 30 tutors, 600 children in grades 2-4, and 12 months of daily reading practice.
$25 a month sponsors one child for the full year.
First-phase uses of funds
Tutor stipends, local coordination, tutor training, reading assessments, practice materials, progress-tracking tools, and public reporting.
Why this is the right first step
TaRL was validated at scale across Oromia: in Afaan Oromo, in government schools, with Oromia Education Bureau partnership. We use the same method, at one pilot scale, and publish every result before deciding what comes next.
Materials
Review the core materials.
Start with the model, review the budget, and reach out when you are ready.
Reading Corps model
How TaRL works, the six-step cycle, and the evidence behind level-based instruction.
Read the modelFinancial transparency
Legal identity, EIN, donation processors, gift policies, and public filing status.
Review transparencyGiving details
The first Reading Corps budget with tutor stipends, local coordination, assessments, software, and reporting.
Review giving detailsDonor conversation
Ask for additional context, offer feedback, or discuss a potential gift or introduction.
Contact BiftuSpark