The keys to progress in basic education: clear goals and building on teacher knowledge and practice

• In Event: One hundred years trying to put knowledge into practice: A few (hard-earned) lessons from experience

Abstract

What have we learned about progress in education? The answer is clear: it can be achieved only when clear, easily understood goals for basic education programs are set and then consensus, commitment, and financial resources are committed to reaching those goals. While there is increasing consensus on some of these goals, such as having all children reading within two years of starting school, how far have we come and what more is needed? One key element is the need to focus on teachers. They must know what children are expected to understand and have the tools (including the policy environment and the evaluation skills) to achieve it. Teacher proofing schools never works. It is essential to understand what teachers can actually do in a low-resource, low-skills environment and to build incremental improvements on this base.

Author

• Robert Prouty, Consultant