News

The latest IIEP book in our global exploration of open school data to combat corruption in education is now out, with an in-depth look at initiatives from across Latin America. 

Readers are presented with a regional snapshot of how ministries of education and other school actors are embracing information as a means for greater transparency and accountability. A survey of 15 countries in the region identified over 80 school report cards, of which some 70 percent are available online. 

The book by Alejandra Brito (available in Spanish), Información y transparencia: cuadros de indicadores de las escuelas en América Latina, then delves into seven of these initiatives in greater depth:

• Mejora tu Escuela (Mexico),
• Ficha Escolar (Guatemala),
• Sistema de Análisis de Indicadores Educativos y Alerta Temprana (Dominican Republic),
• Índice Sintético de Calidad Educativa (Colombia),
• Semáforo Escuela (Peru),
• EDU-Q Card (Peru),
• Reportes de escuela in Jujuy (Argentina).

The book concludes with recommendations on how to maximize the power of open school data in Latin America. These include:

• Prioritise the data that are of greater interest to parents, i.e.: financial resources, school infrastructure and equipment, and academic standards;
• Involve communities in the data collection process;
• Present data in a format that is accessible, simple, and easy-to-understand;
• Share data at an appropriate time and when users can take action;
• Set clear consequences for complying or not complying with expected performance, and for corrupt behaviours;
• Make communities aware of education performance standards, their right to participate and give their opinion, as well as channels to raise complaints against corruption.

IIEP’s research on open school data will soon culminate with a synthesis publication on key findings from Asia and the Pacific, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. If you would like to receive further information, please fill out this form. 

URL:

http://www.iiep.unesco.org/en/new-book-puts-spotlight-open-school-data-latin-america-9166