Governance in Education: Raising Performance

Abstract

The impacts of education investments in developing and transition countries are typically measured by inputs and outputs. Missing from the education agenda are measures of performance that reflect whether education systems are meeting their objectives; public resources are being used appropriately; and the priorities of governments are being implemented. This paper suggests that good governance can serve as an entry point to raising institutional performance in the delivery of education services. Crucial to high performance are standards, information, incentives and accountability. This paper provides a definition of good governance in education and a framework for thinking about governance issues as a way of improving performance in the education sector. Performance indicators that offer the potential for tracking relative education performance are proposed, and provide the context for the discussion of good governance in education in the areas of budget and resource management, human resources, household payments, and corruption perceptions. What we do and do not know about effective solutions to advance good governance and performance in education is presented for each area, drawing on existing research and documented experiences.