On October 14, IPA Philippines hosted a policy dialogue session about Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) with the Department of Education (DepEd). This event brought together key officials and staff from DepEd and IPA researchers and partners to present evidence, share lessons learned, and generate insights on how DepEd can integrate TaRL into its existing structures. Devyani Pershad (Head of International Collaborations, Pratham) discussed the TaRL approach pioneered by Pratham and rigorous evidence on the various TaRL models implemented globally. Anne Fitzpatrick (Assistant Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts Boston) presented the STARS evaluation implemented in partnership with the Ghana Ministry of Education and Noam Angrist (Executive Director and Co-Founder, Young1ove) presented Young1ove’s targeted instruction work in Botswana and the ongoing trials of low-tech interventions in various countries including the Philippines. Following the presentation was an open discussion where both speakers and DepEd participants exchanged insights about TaRL. 

Dean Yang (Professor of Economics and Public Policy, University of Michigan, and IPA Philippines’ Scientific Adviser) welcomed attendees and Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan (Undersecretary and Chief of Staff of the Office of the Secretary of DepEd) gave the opening remarks. Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio delivered the closing remarks. Nassreena Sampaco-Baddiri (IPA Country Director, Philippines) was the host and moderator of this event.