Five Key Reports Consolidating and Turning Evidence into Policy and Practice

For the past five years, the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE KIX) has supported 41 applied research projects focused on key challenges facing education systems across the Global South. These multi-stakeholder projects have generated demand-driven and contextually relevant evidence on a wide range of innovative education programs.

GPE KIX just published five synthesis reports to consolidate evidence and lessons learned from these applied research projects supported from 2019 to 2024. A valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and practitioners looking to implement evidence-based solutions, these synthesis reports provide a roadmap for transforming research into meaningful educational change, ensuring that knowledge translates into impact where it matters most.

Evidence without action is just information. Educators, researchers, and policymakers can now explore these five comprehensive reports online and discover innovative approaches to addressing critical challenges in education:

Education Options for Out-of-School Children and Those at Risk of Dropping Out: This report provides a synthesis of the findings that have emerged from four research projects addressing the challenge for out-of-school children and youth (OOSCY) and those at risk of dropping out. By consolidating findings across the four projects with 11 partners across 15 countries, the report informs regional and global education debates by highlighting key features of more than 30 effective accelerated education programs (AEPs).  It provides evidence-based recommendations for scaling up successful initiatives and ensuring inclusive education policies for out-of-school and at-risk learners. You can download the report here.

Teacher Professional Development (TPD): Drawing insights from 11 applied research projects across 41 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, this report aims to inform and influence education debates by increasing the visibility of southern perspectives, evidence and experience. It summarizes emerging lessons from applied research on models supporting effective TPD practice in low- and middle-income countries. It highlights the importance of context-specific, innovative interventions that encourage active learning, provide continuous expert support, promote peer collaboration and leverage technology to expand access. You can download the report here.

Early Learning: Early childhood education (ECE) is critical in cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical development. This report features insights from eight applied research projects, including five cofinanced by the LEGO Foundation, to highlight best practices in play-based learning, teacher training, gender equity, and community engagement. It provides an overview of key challenges and innovative approaches related to scaling early learning initiatives and identifies policy recommendations to ensure access to quality education for young children. You can download the report here.

Gender Equality in and through Education: Gender equality is a crosscutting priority across GPE KIX initiatives. Spanning 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, this report brings together findings from six research projects. It investigates innovative gender-responsive models to addressing gender inequalities in educational systems and provides practical guidance on policies and programs that promote gender-inclusive learning environments. You can download the report here. 

Education Data Systems and Data Use: Data-driven decision-making is essential for effective education policies. This report synthesizes findings from five projects across 44 countries that examined how data innovations can improve education system performance. It highlights strategies for strengthening data generation, analysis, and application to enhance evidence-based policymaking while promoting gender equality and inclusion. You can download the report here.

Turning Evidence into Practice

Each of the reports has resources and tools including policy briefs, scaling briefs, and infographics. They are designed to support government officials, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers translate research findings into practical educational improvements.

Education Options for Out-of-school Children and Those at Risk of Dropping Out  
◉ Research Synthesis | Infographic | Policy Insights | Scaling the Impact

Teacher Professional Development  
◉ Research Synthesis | Infographic | Policy and Practice Insights

Early Childhood Education  
◉ Research Synthesis | Infographic | Policy and Practice Insights

Gender Equality in and through Education  
◉ Research Synthesis | Infographic | Policy and Practice Insights | Scaling the Impact

Education Data System and Data Use  
◉ Research Synthesis| Infographic | Policy and Practice Insights

As we continue to navigate the complex challenges of global education, these synthesis reports are more than research, they offer practical guidance for building stronger, more inclusive education systems.

Explore the findings, apply the lessons, and join a global community committed to turning evidence into meaningful change.