Learning Metrics Task Force Catalyzing a Shared Vision for Education and Learning

Topics Covered Purpose and Objectives Structure and Roles Process and Timeline Proposed Framework

Why focus on learning? Despite commitments and progress in improving access to education at the global level (i.e., EFA Goals and MDG 2), learning levels are still low. It’s estimated that 171 million people could be lifted out of poverty if all students in low- income countries left school with just basic reading skills.

Why now? A confluence of global policy events has created a unique window of opportunity for the education sector to raise the profile of international education goals and ensure that learning becomes a central component of the global development agenda. EFA MDGs Education First To do this, the global education community must work collectively to define global ambition on improving learning and practical actions to deliver and measure progress.

What do we aim to accomplish? The overarching goal of the Learning Metrics Task Force is to catalyze a shift in the global conversation on education from a focus on access to access plus learning. To achieve this goal the task force will develop recommendations to help countries and international organizations measure and improve learning outcomes for children and youth.

Why shift the focus from just access to access plus learning? At least 250 million primary school age children around the world are not able to read, write or count well, even for those who have spent at least four years in school. (EFA GMR 2012) We must get better at measuring outcomes in addition to inputs. So in addition to enrollment and completion data, we must also measure and improve learning.

Core Questions To achieve its objectives, the Learning Metrics Task Force will address three main questions over the course of its deliberations: 1.What learning is important from early childhood through post-primary? 2.How should learning be measured? 3.How can national, regional, and global organizations work together to implement these measures to improve learning opportunities and outcomes for children and youth?

Project Structure and Roles Task Force: Led by three Co-Chairs and representing UN agencies, civil society, bilateral donors, government, and private organizations High-level representatives who can serve as decision-makers and strong advocates for the project recommendations Working Groups: Technical experts who work collaboratively to develop recommendations for consideration by the task force Based on the three guiding questions of the task force, the working groups will cover three topics in succession: standards/competencies, measures and methods, implementation Consultation Process: Engages a broad spectrum of education actors both online and in person Takes into account adaptability and applicability to specific contexts and collects input and feedback on working group recommendations

The Consultation Process Any effort to develop a shared vision for global learning goals and targets must be open, inclusive, and transparent. The task force seeks input from a wide variety of stakeholders through a global consultation process to be conducted both online and in person. The objectives of the consultation process are to: Engage a diverse group of actors at the political and technical levels to achieve maximum efficacy and impact. Compile feedback and input on appropriate competencies for measuring learning in various contexts to inform the final recommendations presented to the task force.

Project Timeline JULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUN = TASK FORCE MEETINGS JULAUGSEPOCT LAUNCH STANDARDS WORKING GROUP MEASURES WORKING GROUP IMPLEMENTATION WORKING GROUP = CONSULTATION PERIODS New York City Sept , 2012 Dubai, UAE Feb , 2013 Bellagio, Italy July 16-18, 2013 Call July 2012 Montreal TBD

Learn more and get involved… For updates on the Learning Metrics Task Force and information about working groups and consultations, please visit education/learning-metrics-task-force education/learning-metrics-task-force To receive updates on the Learning Metrics Task Force, please send your name, organization, and address to: