Entry points for supporting middle-tier officials in foundational learning reforms: equip, connect, inform, empower

This synthesis brief identifies and explains four entry points for supporting middle-tier officials – equip, connect, inform, and empower – which are essential for strengthening foundational learning reforms in education systems, particularly across the Global South. Middle-tier officials act as intermediaries between top policymakers and school-level actors; this document synthesises evidence and practice across contexts and disciplines to show why these entry points matter, how they have appeared in practice, and what implications they have for practitioners, funders, and researchers. It also includes a case example from the Tusome structured pedagogy programme in Kenya and outlines a research agenda for future work.