ThaiNGO

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Development of Grade 2 Textbooks for the Karenni Curriculum

under the MTB-MLE Approach

1.Background

Jesuit Refugee Services, JRS Thailand, in partnership with Karenni Education Department, KnED, has been supporting basic education services to refugee children for more than 20 years in the past. From 2023, JRS/KnED assessed the learning outcome of the children weakened in reading and writing in multiple subjects beginning with their mother tongue and other languages such as Burmese and English. KnED, under the management of the Ministry of Education of Karenni National Progressive Party, intends to improve existing materials, develop new content, and integrate the MTB-MLE approach into the basic education framework. We aim to provide support on developing MTB-MLE textbooks and teaching guides, capacity for KnED and relevant partners.

 2. Objective

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide a technical workshop for KnED and relevant partner organization in Mueang Mae Hong Son, focused on textbook development in the MTB-MLE program, along with follow-up meetings and consultation sessions after the training. This is designed to equip local curriculum development team in MTB-MLE to learn skills and knowledge by leading the design and facilitation of Grade 2 textbook development across 8 subjects, integrating Karenni culture, MTB-MLE principles, and national standards. Provided guidance on content, design, and thematic integration, while supporting local writers, illustrators, and designers. Additionally, to strengthen the quality of primary education by developing a culturally relevant, competency-based Grade 2 curriculum, including textbooks, teacher guides, assessment tools, and training programs. This initiative aims to align with national standards and MTB-MLE principles while promoting Karenni identity, inclusive teaching methodologies, and key social themes such as peace, democracy, and environmental awareness.

3.Participant

Approximately 45 people of KnED textbook development team and from related partner organizations.

4.Scope of Work

A. Textbook Development

• Lead Grade 2 textbooks and material creation across 8 major subjects (e.g., (Languages) (Kayah, Paku, English, Myanmar, Social Studies, Math, The Arts, Health and Physical Education, and Science, etc.). 
• Develop textbooks aligning national curriculum standards, guiding the integration of local culture, Karenni identity, and competency-based learning objectives to ensure material and textbooks adhere to both national standards and MTB-MLE principles
• Provide support to local textbook writers and illustrators and designers. 
• Guide layout, design, and culturally relevant visual elements. 
• Provide educational references, exemplars, and formatting templates. 
• Integrate themes such as peace and federal democracy, climate change, and diversity into subject content

B. Teacher Guide Development 

• Lead 3 workshops (5 days each) for Grade 2 teacher guide development for 8 subjects. 
• Support the writing and structuring of pedagogically sound and practical teacher guides. 
• Ensure alignment with curriculum outcomes and classroom realities. 

C. Assessment Manual and Training 

• Design and conduct 2 workshops (5 days each) to develop a Primary Level Assessment Manual. 
• Develop tools and samples for formative and summative assessments. 
• Train trainers and teachers on competency-based assessment strategies. 

D. Validation and Stakeholder Consultation 

• Design the pilot-testing and sample teaching of the all the materials in local schools. 
• Facilitate 1 consultation and validation workshops (3 days) with stakeholders and local schools.  
• Incorporate feedback and finalize documents.

F. Teaching methodology TOT 

• Design a Training of Trainers (TOT) program on teaching methodologies for textbook and material development team and primary teacher, aligned with curriculum and MTB-MLE principles. 
• Develop training materials, including a facilitator guide, session plans, handouts, and assessment tools. 
• Facilitate the TOT using interactive, inclusive, and child-centred teaching practices.

G. Curriculum framework publication 

• Ensure quality control by proofreading and preparing the final version for printing and digital dissemination for Karenni Curriculum Standard of Framework
• Develop key communication materials such as press releases, policy briefs, and presentation slides to support advocacy and public announcement. 
• Support the public launch and messaging and submit a final report with advocacy recommendations. 

5.Tentative Agenda

Total consultancy duration: 47 working days, spread across the project year (2025–2026): 

6.Dates and Place  

Preferred dates for the workshop and contract are between 13 October 2025- 31 May 2026. The training shall take place at Meang Mae Hong Son Province​. Costs for transport, accommodation and alimentation are covered by JRS for the duration of the activity.   

Provide follow-up sessions with the local textbook development team to ensure all textbooks are completed.

7.Application 

Interested and qualified candidates should send their submission to phumjai.phanomphum@jrs.net by latest 30 September 2025. Late or incomplete submission may not be accepted.