How can we improve students' educational achievement? Can radio instruction successfully support distance learning, particularly in settings such as the COVID-19 pandemic? In rural Peru, researchers measured whether remote support from educational coaches for caregivers during MateWasi — a radio program with interactive math lessons for preschool-aged children— impacted their children’s math learning outcomes. Results show that remote support increased the involvement of caregivers in their children’s educational development. In turn, children’s math learning improved by 0.12 standard deviations on an index that measured outcomes including oral counting, spatial ability, comparing of quantities, and solving word problems related to addition and subtraction.

In collaboration with IPA Peru and Kallpa, researchers are conducting a randomized evaluation to measure whether sexual education classes and buses providing information and referrals to local health services reduce pregnancy among adolescent girls. Preliminary findings suggested that the mobile bus services helped reduce teenage pregnancy and improve school outcomes in the short term, particularly among older adolescents (18–19 years). In the longer term, the program continued to show positive effects, with reductions in pregnancy among younger girls (16 –17 years) and improvements in school retention and grade progression. Students also demonstrated better knowledge about contraception.. The education component did not show clear additional benefits.

In collaboration with IPA Peru and the Organization of Ibero-American States, researchers conducted a randomized evaluation to measure whether a Quechua Collao language app improved students' language skills, attitudes toward Quechua, and teachers' content knowledge in rural and urban areas of southern Peru. Students improved their Quechua skills and increased their use of the language at school and in public spaces. Results suggest that language apps can be effective in stimulating youth engagement and proficiency in a language and thus help indigenous communities preserve their language in the modern era.