Helpdesk Report: Time taken for inputs into education or policy reform to affect learning outcomes

This report finds that education reforms have tended to focus on improving access and availability rather than quality

Abstract

Query

What does the evidence suggest on the time it takes for inputs into education and/or education policy reform to affect learning outcomes?

Overview

It is difficult to assess the time it takes for inputs into education or education policy reforms to affect learning outcomes. Attributing changes in results to system-wide reforms can be complex when there are many different programmes and elements affecting outcomes. Data are not always available on learning outcomes over time and may be complicated by changes in testing. Learning outcomes also vary between regions within countries.

The aim of Education for All has sometimes adversely affected student outcomes. A significant amount of education reforms have tended to focus on improving access and availability rather than quality.

Citation

Bolton, L. Helpdesk Report: Time taken for inputs into education or policy reform to affect learning outcomes. HEART, UK (2013) 15 pp.

Helpdesk Report: Time taken for inputs into education or policy reform to affect learning outcomes (PDF, 201KB)

Published 1 January 2013