GEM Report UNESCO

Welcome to the #GEMReport community! Whether you are new here or a long-time follower, let's revisit our mission and goals: Since 2002, the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, hosted and published by UNESCO, has been the leading authority on tracking global progress toward the United Nations' education targets. We provide the best available data and research to assess progress, address disparities, and spotlight best practices in education worldwide. Our mission is to offer evidence-based recommendations that strengthen education systems, policies, and financing globally. With a commitment to editorial independence and data integrity, the GEM Report serves as a trusted resource for governments, academia, educators, youth advocates, civil society, and the global community working toward equitable, quality #EducationForAll. 👉 Discover more about our work: https://bit.ly/3DK1lHN

Why should we pay more attention to leadership in education? No struggling school has ever turned around without strong leadership. Yet leadership in education is often overlooked and undervalued, not because it lacks impact, but because it is complex and hard to measure. Leadership is not just about authority; it is a process of social influence that mobilizes people toward a common goal. It takes different forms depending on context, personalities, and organizational needs. This variability makes its effects difficult to quantify, but that does not make them any less critical. In fact, research shows that in the U.S. alone, principal and teacher leadership account for up to 27% of the variance in student outcomes, second only to teachers’ direct impact on learning. Yet many systems fail to invest in school leadership: only 31% of countries have policies in place for inducting new principals. Effective school leaders #LeadforLearning. They: ✅ Set clear expectations ✅ Focus on learning ✅ Foster collaboration ✅ Develop people But leadership is not one-size-fits-all. The best leaders adapt to their schools, people, and communities. And leadership should not rest on a single individual. Schools thrive when leadership is distributed among teachers, parents, and students. Yet only 50% of countries include teacher collaboration in leadership standards, despite its proven impact. Instead of waiting for exceptional leaders to emerge, we need systematic processes that ensure every school and education system is led effectively, because no education system can thrive without strong leadership. What do you think is the biggest challenge in strengthening school leadership? Let us know in the comments! Explore more: https://bit.ly/3YGdxil #2024GEMReport

School leaders are overwhelmed, facing high expectations with limited resources. A survey of principals in 14 middle-income countries found that 68% of their time is consumed by routine management tasks, leaving little room for vision-setting and implementing reforms. To create meaningful change in education, we need to empower school leaders to focus on what truly matters and #LeadforLearning. Discover more about these challenges in the #2024GEMReport: https://lnkd.in/eTHkB9BY

Imagine leading a school without any training! The task might seem impossible, and yet in wealthier countries, nearly 50% of principals step into their roles without prior training, and only 31% of countries have regulations for their induction. This lack of training hinders effective leadership and negatively affects learning outcomes. Investing in training and support for school leaders is crucial for enhancing the quality of education! Discover how we can better #LeadforLearning in the #2024GEMReport: https://lnkd.in/eTHkB9BY

Since 2015, only 14 African countries, representing just 15% of the primary school-age population, have had at least two data points on minimum proficiency in reading. It is impossible to track progress with so little information. At the CONFEMEN Forum on #FoundationalLearning in #Senegal this week, I emphasized the need for sustainable investment in learning assessments.   The CONFEMEN-PASEC2019 assessment is a strong example of what is possible. But efforts in other countries in Africa have struggled. A plan is needed because assessment is expensive and countries need external support. But donors have not focused on developmental objectives. Over 8 years, one African country received $15 million in donor funding for assessment, but funds were largely spent on evaluating donor projects rather than on strengthening national institutions.   Countries need access to: 1. better information about available assessment options and their costs 2. resources to select and carry out assessments that best fit their needs.   The @GEMReport supports the decision of the African Union for a continental assessment framework, led by the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA), to guide national and Africa-wide efforts. By investing in sustainable learning assessment systems, every child’s learning progress will be visible, and education policies will be based on solid evidence. #BorntoLearn #LearningChangesEverything

Who are the leaders in education? Leadership in education goes beyond titles. It is about influence: the ability to bring people together, inspire change, and work toward a shared vision for learning. But leadership takes many forms, from classrooms to ministries and beyond: 1️⃣ School leaders play a vital role in shaping learning environments and fostering collaboration. Effective leadership at the school level is about more than management, it is about making sure students can thrive. 2️⃣ Middle leaders, such as teachers who mentor colleagues or lead subject areas, bridge policy and practice. Their leadership influences teaching quality, student outcomes, and teacher well-being. 3️⃣ System leaders, including district officers and supervisors, work behind the scenes to implement policies and ensure schools function effectively. Their leadership is often invisible, yet essential to the success of education systems. 4️⃣ Political leaders influence national education priorities, but they do not act alone. Unions, researchers, civil society organizations, and the media help shape education policies and ensure they serve all learners, not just a privileged few. 5️⃣ Beyond the formal system, researchers, activists, student unions, businesses, and journalists play a crucial role in holding decision-makers accountable, advocating for change, and keeping education high on the agenda. Leadership in education is about impact. Effective leaders set a vision, empower others, and drive meaningful change. But leadership must also be shared. No one person can transform education alone. Who do you see as an education leader? Share your thoughts below! ➡️ Discover more in the #2024GEMReport: https://lnkd.in/eTHkB9BY #LeadforLearning

Strong leadership is the difference between a school that functions and a school that thrives. Yet, research shows that only 18% of leadership programs worldwide cover all 4 essential dimensions of effective school leadership. Without a holistic approach, school leaders might lack the tools to drive real change. The 4 dimensions of school leadership: 1️⃣ Setting expectations. Transformational leaders don’t just manage schools, they inspire. They set a clear vision, communicate ambitious goals, and lead by example. Strong leaders set high expectations and use data-driven decision-making to ensure continuous improvement. 2️⃣ Focusing on learning. Instructional leadership is the backbone of a successful school. Effective leaders provide resources, support teachers, and protect learning time. They plan, coordinate, and evaluate curriculum while tracking student progress. 3️⃣ Fostering collaboration. Schools thrive when leaders create a positive culture, build strong networks, and engage teachers, families, and the community. A collaborative school environment leads to better outcomes for students and teachers alike. 4️⃣ Developing people. Great schools invest in their educators. Strong leaders provide mentorship, professional development, and growth opportunities while fostering trust and recognizing achievements. Which of these dimensions needs the most attention in your school? Share your thoughts below! Explore more: https://lnkd.in/eTHkB9BY #LeadForLearning

UNESCO’s #GEMReport team is hiring a consultant to optimize Salesforce CRM and Marketing Cloud systems. Duration: February 3 – December 30, 2025 Location: UNESCO HQ, Paris Application deadline: January 31, 2025 Don't miss this opportunity! More details: https://bit.ly/4ag9DTW

Smartphone bans in schools are growing globally. The percentage of countries banning smartphones in schools has risen to 40%, up from 24% following the release of the #2023GEMReport in July 2023. This sharp rise means that 79 nations have adopted full or partial restrictions, reflecting a growing global push to prioritise learning over digital distractions. Data shows that smartphones can disrupt focus, with students taking up to 20 minutes to refocus after non-academic use. Bans can improve learning outcomes, particularly for underperforming students, while addressing privacy and mental health concerns, especially for girls. As this movement gains momentum, the debate continues: should smartphones be banned entirely, or can a balanced approach to technology provide the solution? What is your take? Let’s discuss in the comments! Explore more: https://lnkd.in/eUnMc-Ac

The digital transformation is still dominated by men, with women holding only 26% of AI and data-related jobs. As Manos Antoninis, #GEMReport Director, emphasizes: "We need more female leaders in AI and technology development to ensure a gender-sensitive digital transformation." To create a truly inclusive and equitable digital future, we must empower women to lead in AI and technology. The #2024GenderReport offers key recommendations for closing this gender gap, ensuring that technology evolves inclusively and equitably, and on women’s terms too. ➡️ Explore: https://lnkd.in/dRFbRNcz #TechOnOurTerms