Objectives and Justification

The two main objectives of this program are: 1) To ensure adequate provision of textbooks nationwide; 2) to offer schools a choice of textbooks in each subject.

The program is to contribute to the achievement of ESSP policy objectives by improving quality of primary and secondary education through ensuring sustainable provision of quality textbooks. This will enable the implementation of new minimum standard in grade 3, 6 and 9 and the re-revised national basic education curriculum 2006-10. The program approach is also in support of the broader MoEYS decentralization strategy.

Key Targets and Indicators » Up

• Secure approval for the new system of textbook development printing and distribution based on policy of more diversified textbook supply through market competition by MEF by 2006.

• Fully achieve the target of pupil textbook ratio of 1:1 (grades 1-9) in the first year of implementing the new curriculum for each grade.

• Achieve the target of pupil textbook ratio of 2:1 for grades 10-12 in urban and accessible schools, and 1:1 in remote areas and remote provinces

Strategy and Coverage » Up

In order to ensure sustainable provision of textbook, MoEYS with MoEF will review and define the clear role and status of PDH, other publishers, PEOs, DEOs, and of schools in the textbook production and procurement process. In addition, MoEYS will review the further role of the Pedagogical Research Department focused on transformation from textbook development role into textbook and learning materials monitor and evaluation.

Main Programmes and Activities » Up

• Secure approval for the new textbook policy and commitment from MoEF on the timely release of funds.

• Implement new textbook policy in all primary and secondary schools.

• Finalize, dissemenate and implement minimum learning standard and new curriculum in general education

• Define a textbook management and usage policy to support more effective planning in relation to textbook lifespan and potential unit costs for textbook provision.

• Strengthen library network nationwide through a rolling program of establishing and strengthening decentralised document centres. Initial focus is on strengthening document centres in TTCs and assessing the potential for expansion to secondary school level.

Program Management and Monitoring » Up

The financial management of the programme will shift from the Primary and Secondary Education Departments to the PRD from January 2006. Pedagogical Research Department will also be responsible for implementation and monitoring of textbook policy, minimum learning standard, library network and policy for curriculum development 2006-10. PEOs will continue to respond to monitoring progress on textbook supply and allocation to schools. Directorate General of Education will coordinate sample of technical audit and Inspectorate General will coordinate sample of financial audit

Financing Plan » Up

The significant increase in financing is due to the recent expansion in primary school enrolment and the projected rapid increase in secondary enrolment. Both trends will require additional textbook spending and teacher's guides.

Table 8: Sustainable Provision Of Core Instructional Materials Financing Plan

Activities	Costs in Riels millions
	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
1 Provision in primary schools	18,152	17,922	18,072	10,572	10,572
1.1 Textbook provision	17,872	17,722	17,872	10,372	10,372
1.2 System development	130	50	50	50	50
1.3 Monitoring	150	150	150	150	150
2 Provision in secondary schools	15,135	15,185	15,930	9,235	9,235
2.1 Textbook provision	14,995	15,045	15,785	9,095	9,095
2.2 System development	50	50	50	50	50
2.3 Monitoring	90	90	95	90	90
Resources: Total	33,287	33,107	34,002	19,807	19,807

Capacity building needs » Up

• Develop capacity for selected staff at central level on the implementation of new policy on textbook development and introduction of minimum standards and new curriculum for general education.

• Strengthen monitoring capacity in central and provincial levels in order to ensure timely, efficient and efficient textbook provision to districts and schools.

• Strengthen the technical and management capacity of librarians at document centre, RTTC and PTTC