07/01/2021
Learning Data Compact – UNESCO, UNICEF and the World Bank unite to end the learning data crisis
https://www.unicef.org/partnerships/learning-data-compact
UNESCO, UNICEF and the World Bank have joined forces to close the learning data gaps that still exist and that preclude many countries from monitoring the quality of their education systems and assessing if their students are learning. The three organizations have agreed to a, Learning Data Compact, ,, a commitment to ensure that, all countries, especially low-income countries, have at least one quality measure of learning by 2025, , supporting coordinated efforts to strengthen national assessment systems. In many low- and middle-income countries, learning data are not collected frequently and, in some countries, not collected at all. Even when data are collected, learning assessments may not be of high quality and are not always used effectively to inform decision-making.…, Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education, UNESCO, . To support this objective, the initiative will strengthen institutional capacity at the country level for measuring and using data on student learning outcomes. It aims to build sustainable learning monitoring systems by promoting multi-year collaborations among development partners and countries. The initiative will support countries to: plan,…, Jaime Saavedra, Global Director for Education, World Bank, . A key vision under the initiative is for all countries to measure learning in at least , two subjects, (for example, math and reading), in at least, two grades, (for example, early primary, end of primary, end of lower secondary), and with at least, two planned rounds, over five, , years. Each element of the 2x2x2 framework is important: Measuring across, at least two subjects, allows for capturing multiple dimensions of learning; Measuring in, at least, two grades, allows diagnosing learning constraints at different stages of schooling; Ensuring, at least two planned rounds, of data collection allows countries to measure progress over time and can help embed the practice of collecting and using learning data in country policies. This ambitious initiative requires coordination and the support of all international and regional initiatives, like PASEC , SEAMEO , SAQMEC and LLECE , which are currently working tirelessly…, Robert Jenkins, Global Director for Education at UNICEF, , the Compact is long overdue: “Countries need to be supported with the tools and resources required to strengthen national data systems in ways that are predictable, consistent and of high quality. We know that the most vulnerable children will fall even further behind or drop out of school altogether after the disruptions caused by COVID-19…, Contacts, World Bank: Kristyn Schrader-King, kschrader@worldbank.org UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS): Shereen Joseph, s.joseph@unesco.org UNICEF: Ann-Marie Wilcock, awilcock@unicef.org, More from UNICEF
