A UNESCO report, Deepening the debate on those still left behind, reviewed primary and secondary education data from 120 countries but included only 28 of the 82 low‑ and low‑middle‑income countries. The study also found no assessment data for science in any low‑income country. The report was published on 27 April.
Manos Antoninis, director of the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring unit, said limited data collection capacity and a lack of systematic national assessments make it hard to know how learning outcomes are changing in the global South. He added that the available sample gives only a general sense of the situation and that a longer term monitoring programme is needed so policymakers can better inform education policies.
The report highlights major gains in attendance and enrolment over the last 20 years and finds a gender gap of less than one percentage point overall in primary and secondary education. However, it warns that pockets of extreme exclusion remain in parts of Sub‑Saharan Africa and South Asia, where girls’ participation still lags and learning outcomes are poor for both sexes. Experts in the report call for more role models, policies to keep girls in STEM and NGO efforts to change mindsets.
Difficult words
- assessment — A test or check of student learning.assessments
- capacity — Ability or resources to do a certain task.
- monitoring programme — A long-term plan to watch changes.
- enrolment — Number of students who join a school.
- exclusion — Being left out or denied participation.
- participation — Taking part in an activity or class.
- outcome — Result or effect of education or learning.outcomes
- role model — A person others admire and copy.role models
- mindset — A set of beliefs or attitudes people hold.mindsets
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think some countries lack systematic national assessments and data collection?
- What could local schools or NGOs do to encourage more girls to study STEM subjects?
- Can you describe a role model you know who inspired students to learn more?
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