Enhancing educational policy and practice through the MEL system: Experience of the GPE KIX LAC Hub

• In Event: Highlighted Session: Use of outcome mapping and outcome harvesting in the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange: challenges and successes

Proposal

Since 2019, SUMMA, the Laboratory for Research and Innovation in Education for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have been leading the Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (KIX) hub to generate and share evidence that informs education policy and practice in the region. Working closely with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), these efforts have focused on ensuring a positive impact on the educational systems of Global Partnership for Education (GPE) partner countries. A key component of this work has been the development of a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system across the KIX hubs.

Outcome Mapping (OM) and Outcome Harvesting (OH) have been central to the KIX LAC hub's approach, offering a significant departure from traditional monitoring and evaluation models. These methodologies focus on measuring progress toward objectives while acknowledging that these processes are dynamic and flexible, adapting to evolving contexts and needs. Through OM and OH, the KIX LAC hub has demonstrated its capacity to be responsive and adaptive to the unique needs of participating countries. These approaches enable better identification and prioritization of local needs, ensuring that interventions are tailored to the specific realities on the ground. By identifying key actor and context changes early on, OM and OH allow for real-time adjustments, fostering adaptive learning and capturing unplanned outcomes. This approach promotes a continuous feedback loop, driving iterative improvements based on lessons learned and documenting both expected and unexpected results. As a result, new opportunities are uncovered throughout the initiative's implementation.

The use of OM and OH has also fostered more effective collaboration among regional actors from ministries of education, universities, civil society organizations and teachers’ unions, capturing shifts in cooperation dynamics and strengthening inter-institutional relationships. Thus, networks among professionals from ministries, international organizations, and other key stakeholders have been reinforced, creating a more cohesive and sustainable foundation for regional cooperation. In addition, OM and OH have allowed the KIX LAC hub to capture qualitative behavioral changes in key actors—outcomes that are often difficult to measure using traditional methods. By complementing quantitative indicators with qualitative insights, these methodologies emphasize behavioral changes, processes, and inter-institutional dynamics that are essential for driving long-term change.

Finally, OM and OH have contributed to creating a comprehensive and inclusive accountability process within the KIX LAC hub. This process actively involves local stakeholders as co-creators of initiatives and co-definers of outcomes. A notable example of this collaborative approach is the ongoing work with the OECS on the development of an Education Management Information System (EMIS) for the Eastern Caribbean region. During two KIX LAC Technical Learning Visits to Guyana and The Bahamas, representatives of the OECS member states deepened their understanding of EMIS processes. Based on joint design efforts with education ministry officials from five countries, the teams identified different needs and priorities, leading to the adaptation of initial plans. These efforts also fostered synergies and strengthened collaboration among Caribbean teams, enhancing regional capacities and promoting more sustainable cooperation on critical educational issues.

Authors

• Mar Botero, GPE KIX LAC - SUMMA

• Catalina Godoy, Fundación SUMMA

• Raul Chacon, GPE KIX LAC - SUMMA