How can the World Bank Human Capital Project improve education outcomes in low-income countries?

1 Assessing learning levels

The first step to improving education outcomes is to have reliable and comparable data on how much and what students are learning. The HCP uses the Harmonized Learning Outcomes (HLO) database, which collects and standardizes data from different sources and assessments, such as PISA, TIMSS, and SACMEQ. The HLO database allows countries to benchmark their performance against regional and global standards, identify learning gaps and inequalities, and monitor progress over time.

2 Supporting quality reforms

The second step to improving education outcomes is to design and implement policies and programs that enhance the quality of teaching and learning. The HCP supports countries in developing and applying evidence-based solutions that address the specific challenges and opportunities in their contexts. Some of the areas that the HCP focuses on are early childhood development, teacher training and incentives, curriculum and pedagogy, school infrastructure and resources, and student assessment and feedback.

3 Leveraging financing and partnerships

The third step to improving education outcomes is to mobilize and align the necessary resources and stakeholders to achieve the desired goals. The HCP leverages the World Bank's financing and convening power to help countries access and use domestic and external funds more effectively and efficiently. The HCP also fosters partnerships and coordination among different actors, such as governments, civil society, private sector, donors, and multilateral agencies, to ensure coherence and complementarity of efforts.

4 Promoting innovation and learning

The fourth step to improving education outcomes is to foster a culture of innovation and learning that encourages experimentation, adaptation, and scaling of what works. The HCP supports countries in creating and using platforms and mechanisms that facilitate knowledge sharing, peer learning, and collaboration across sectors and regions. The HCP also promotes the use of data and evidence to inform decision making, evaluate impact, and generate feedback loops.

5 Empowering citizens and communities

The fifth step to improving education outcomes is to empower citizens and communities to demand and participate in quality education. The HCP supports countries in strengthening the accountability and transparency of education systems, and enhancing the voice and agency of parents, students, teachers, and local leaders. The HCP also supports initiatives that promote social inclusion, gender equality, and resilience in education, especially for the most marginalized and vulnerable groups.

6 Aligning with the SDGs

The sixth and final step to improving education outcomes is to align the HCP's objectives and actions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which calls for ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. The HCP contributes to the global agenda by providing a common framework and language for measuring and improving human capital, and by supporting countries in achieving their national and regional commitments and targets.