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1 - The Learning Crisis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 September 2022

Prema Clarke
Prema Clarke
Affiliation:
Independent scholar
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Summary

This chapter introduces donor financing of education reform in developing countries and the global compacts in the sector. There is an assumption that learning was not part of these compacts and if only it were part of the discourse and learning was consistently measured, this crisis would not be upon us. However, the first global event in Jomtien, Thailand in 1990 included a significant and urgent obligation of the donor community to address learning. This concerted focus disappeared in following global events. Nonetheless, donors influenced by the shared passion for learning at Jomtein were consistently involved with measuring learning, helping to keep an eye on the unfolding learning deficit. Three examples are offered to illustrate this commitment – in a project (the Indian District Primary Education), across regions and during the primary early grades. These examples shine a spotlight on the tried and tested assessments of learning. In spite of donor focus on this important aspect of education, there is a learning crisis across developing countries.

Keywords

Global Compactsglobal achievementsIDFI support for learning assessmentprojectregional assessmentsEarly Grade Assessmentsglobal learning status
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Education Reform and the Learning Crisis in Developing Countries , pp. 14 - 53
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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  • The Learning Crisis
  • Prema Clarke
  • Book: Education Reform and the Learning Crisis in Developing Countries
  • Online publication: 08 September 2022
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108973700.002
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  • The Learning Crisis
  • Prema Clarke
  • Book: Education Reform and the Learning Crisis in Developing Countries
  • Online publication: 08 September 2022
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108973700.002
Available formats
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To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • The Learning Crisis
  • Prema Clarke
  • Book: Education Reform and the Learning Crisis in Developing Countries
  • Online publication: 08 September 2022
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108973700.002
Available formats
×