Ensuring Effective System Reform to End the Learning Crisis

• In Event: Presidential Invited Session: Why is learning poverty high and persistent in low and middle-income countries?

Proposal

What systemic reform works, and what doesn’t? Reforms and policies are often well-designed, and well intentioned, but they are not always successful. Luis Crouch will speak to what elements of successful education systems are, and what countries in learning crisis should focus on. In order to rapidly improve learning outcomes at a systemic level, there are three broad areas that need to be focused on – that have been documented in a handful of case studies from around the world. First, there should be an initial push to build momentum on the desired change. This should be easy to understand and be at forefront of all communication around the change and reform agenda. This requires motivated leaders, and a focus on some key indicators that are communicable and easy to act on. Second, there should be a focus on certain key features of education systems, which we see are (1) having a good learning assessment data system, (2) a focus on evidence-based pedagogy and (3) ensuring learning are taught at the right level. Third and last, there needs to be a conducive approach to delivery. There needs to be a strong management system, a focus on communicating to all stakeholders about why foundational learning matters, a strong focus on teachers and teaching methods, and lastly understanding how to effectively scale successful models.

Author

• Luis Crouch, RTI