"How Do I Run the Office Without Funds?" Understanding How Districts Plan and Implement Education Policy in Ghana

• In Event: Social Context of District Decision Making

Abstract

Sub-national actors (especially districts) are vital for education policy implementation and addressing the learning crisis in low-and middle-income countries. Nonetheless, scant research has investigated what and how management practices by districts support improvement in learning. Using a multiple accountabilities lens, this study explores the management context of District Education Directorates (DEDs) in Ghana and the practices they use to plan and implement policy. It draws on 43 interviews and documents collected across five districts. It finds DEDs face pressures from competing accountabilities and as a result adopt a superficial alignment towards learning. It argues a significant public service gap between the expectations of DEDs from multiple accountability relationships, and the resources provided, inhibits their ability to improve education quality.

Authors

• Minahil Asim, University of Ottawa
  Non-Presenting Author

• Sheena Bell, University of Toronto
  Presenting Author

• Hope Pius Nudzor, University of Cape Coast
  Non-Presenting Author

• Michael Boakye-Yiadom, University of Cape Coast
  Non-Presenting Author

• Karen Mundy, University of Toronto
  Non-Presenting Author