A True Global Good: Building a Community Focused on Learning

• In Event: Progress on Measuring SDG 4 – Improved Methodology, Community of Practice, and New Results for Policy Linking on SDG Indicator 4.1.1.

Proposal

The GPF and the concept of a non-prescriptive global proficiency framework are both relatively new, having first been established only in 2019. Similarly, using the GPF to conduct alignment studies within education systems and to examine alignment with global standards are new concepts.
Purpose of the Community of Practice. The GPF is a newer framework and the Policy Linking Toolkit and process first formalized in 2020 has changed over the past few years. Consequently, new learning about the methodology and its use in differing contexts with diverse learning assessments has come to light. As such, UIS, its partner donors and countries, and the broader global development community are still learning best practices for using these tools. New best practices will undoubtedly emerge as additional countries and partners begin using the revised Policy Linking Toolkit; receive training on how to use the Toolkit and the GPF; and begin to implement GPF alignment reviews, Minimum Proficiency Reviews (MPRs)—a method recently developed and being pilot tested by USAID to allow countries to check alignment of aspects of their education systems with Global Proficiency Standards, and policy linking workshops. The multi-donor-supported GPF and Policy Linking Community of Practice (COP) will become a place for country officials, donors, and partners to share lessons and note challenges faced in policy linking, use of the GPF, and execution of MPRs. The hope behind the COP is to create a place for constant learning that can be used to inform adaptations to practices, tools, and training for these global public goods to ensure they meet the needs of a variety of users.
Community of Practice Resources and Activities. The policy linking community of practice anticipates the creation of new resources and activities for its members.
• UIS website developed by Knowledge Partners with policy linking materials, notifications of upcoming training, capacity building opportunities, and events, a list of individuals certified to conduct policy linking workshops, and a chat function for community members.
• Regular monthly update meetings for sharing details on recent workshops, uses of the GPF, communication, and training materials.
• Additional webinars (either as a presenter or participant) for sharing lessons learned in conducting policy linking workshops and/or use of the GPF.

Author

• Melissa M Chiappetta, USAID