Education
Baseline & Midline Data Collection — Right to Play "Learning through Play" (LtP) P3
- Client
- RTI International
- Funder
- Gates Foundation (via RTI)
- Year
- c. 2021
- Location
- Selected districts across Ghana ("Learning through Play" P3 programme areas)
- Client type
- Development Partner
- Region(s)
- Multi-region
The assignment
RTI International — with Gates Foundation funding — commissioned Devtplan Consult to conduct the baseline and midline data collection rounds for the evaluation of Right to Play's "Learning through Play" (LtP) Phase 3 programme in Ghana. The programme aimed to embed play-based learning approaches across primary schools in selected districts. The evaluation required standardised assessments of children's learning outcomes, as well as surveys of teachers, school leaders, and caregivers, across a large, geographically dispersed sample.
Our approach
Devtplan designed and implemented a multi-wave data collection plan covering randomised treatment and control schools across the programme's target districts. Child learning assessments were administered using validated early-grade reading and numeracy tools (EGRA/EGMA-adapted instruments). Teacher surveys measured pedagogical practices, professional development participation, and attitudes towards play-based learning. Caregiver surveys assessed home learning environments and parental engagement. Data collection teams were trained extensively in child-safe data-collection protocols, assent processes, and the standardised administration of assessment tools. Electronic data capture via KoBoToolbox enabled real-time data quality monitoring from the field.
The outcome
Devtplan delivered clean, complete baseline and midline datasets to RTI on schedule, enabling the evaluation team to proceed with impact analysis without requiring additional field remediation. The quality-assurance protocols — including back-checking, GPS verification, and audio audits of a random sub-sample of completed assessments — met RTI's data-quality standards. The midline data provided the programme team with early evidence of improvement in pedagogical practices among teachers who had participated in the LtP training, informing programme adjustments before the endline.
Key figures
children assessed across baseline and midline (illustrative)
data collection rounds completed
child-safe protocols observed (illustrative)
Figures shown are illustrative for this demo.