Investing in Government Data Systems to Drive Decision Making

As UNESCO reports, there are widespread concerns that learning outcomes do not match the expansion of education because many countries lack systematic data on who is learning and who is not. UNESCO says government data can be used to identify underserved or underperforming learners, helping develop practical solutions. “Data can be used to hold the system accountable for the use of resources by showing whether increased public investment in education has resulted in measurable gains in student achievement”.

Lack of investment in data collection systems can lead to poor monitoring of education, resulting in inadequate interventions to improve learning outcomes. Using data to track student progress helps identify learning gaps and evaluate the effectiveness of digital tools, enabling educators and policymakers to make informed decisions on technology adoption, personalized learning, and funding allocation.

To this end, the April edition of EdTech Mondays Africa will review the 2024 EdTech Conference Recommendation No. 4 – “Drive decisions with data by investing in government systems and capabilities for timely collection, analysis and informed decision-making”.

How can such investment decisions promote accountability and provide clear and measurable indicators of performance? How will it build trust among stakeholders, including students, parents, and educators? How can investments in government data systems reveal disparities in educational access and outcomes?

This approach not only enhances the quality of education but also ensures that EdTech solutions effectively meet the needs of students, teachers, and institutions in a timely and responsive way. Ultimately, it leads to more transparent, efficient, and accountable governance in education.