International Best Practice in Schooling Reform: What can South Africa Learn from Other Countries?
Contributor Name:
Kavita
Poor education in South Africa is a serious constraint to improved rates of inclusive economic growth, which is vital to combat poverty.
In December 2008, Centre for Development and Enterprise hosted a workshop in Washington DC on international experience of schooling reform. The workshop underscored the fact that the South African education system has failed its people. In this report on the workshop, the authors attempt to learn from international experience on implementing educational reforms. Lessons include:
- Reform must mainly focus on improving learning outcomes;
- Quality of teachers determines quality of an education system;
- Every child should be given the opportunity to succeed;
- Schools need strong leaders;
- Reformers must pay attention to institutional and political factors;
- Reforms must keep pace with capacity;
- Competition can help improve performance;
- Public–private partnerships can play a major role in education reform.