Project Abstract

Current data compilation, processing and reporting practices - as part of Education Management Information Systems, provide snapshots that are used by decision makers to consider overall needs for the improvement of education systems. However, the potential to use data to inform policy and improvement of individual schools remains largely underdeveloped. 
 
This project aims to generate knowledge to optimize the use of data produced by schools to improve their own management and results, and to inform how other levels of the education system can support improvement at the school level. It is based on a proven experience in two provinces in Pakistan, called the School Improvement Framework (SIF). In addition to compiling relevant information on key educational indicators, this innovation creates a structure that meaningfully organizes and translates data into actionable information for stakeholders at the different levels of government. Indicators in key domains present information on student participation and personal development, teachers and teaching, leadership and school support, and school environment. Combined into a composite index, the data allow schools to assess themselves, and to be categorized by level of need for improvement. There is promising potential to scale the impact of this innovation to improve the organization, interpretation and use of data at all levels (school up to central/federal) for school improvement. 

The project combines quantitative and qualitative approaches in an action research design involving school communities and education managers. Expected outputs include a contextualized path to scaling up the innovation in Laos, Nepal and Pakistan. The project is led by the Society for Advancement of Education (SAHE), an organization based in Pakistan with over three decades of experience in policy research, analysis and strategic planning in the education sector.  

Project Stats

Implementing Organization: Society for the Advancement of Education (SAHE) (Lead)
Project Leader:Irfan Muzaffar
Implementing Countries: Nepal, Pakistan
Main Theme: Data Systems
Duration: 24 months