Shannon May | Scaling quality education through teacher accountability

TL;DR

Non-formal private community schools are offering better education opportunities than failing public schools in developing countries.

Transcript

so in Kenya the worst learning outcomes are for girls in rural villages the highest are for boys in the cities if the current status quo remains and we have my new incremental changes in our education system it's estimated that it'll be 80 years before that rural girl has the same opportunity as that urban boy I find that unacceptable most parents ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤠 Girls in rural villages in Kenya face the worst learning outcomes, while boys in cities have the highest outcomes.
• 👨‍🏫 Parents in poverty are starting non-formal private community schools as an alternative to failing public schools.
• 🧑‍🏫 The education crisis is not just about building more classrooms but improving teacher presence and engagement.
• 🖤 In Uganda, a significant number of teachers lack basic reading and math skills.
• 💦 The organization in the video has developed systems to improve education and is working with governments to scale their solutions.
• 👨‍🏫 President Sirleaf of Liberia has partnered with the organization to turn around failing public schools.
• 🎓 Leadership and education reform are complex challenges, and not all government leaders are ready to tackle them.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why are parents in developing countries starting non-formal private community schools?

Parents in poverty are dissatisfied with the failing public education system and seek better opportunities for their children. They have walked away from the system, starting non-formal private community schools with the help of social entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Q: What is the main challenge in the developing world's education system?

Studies have shown that the majority of teaching time is lost because teachers are absent or disengaged. In Uganda, a significant number of teachers lack basic reading and math skills, posing a challenge for students and parents.

Q: How has the organization in the video worked to improve education?

The organization has deployed big data systems and created interactive lesson plans with factually correct content. They ensure teachers are supported and receive feedback by observing every teacher's full lesson each week.

Q: What progress has the organization made so far?

The organization has worked with 250,000 children across five countries, improving reading fluency in failing public schools. They have been approached by government leaders interested in scaling their solutions to the public education system.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Girls in rural villages in Kenya have the worst learning outcomes, while boys in cities have the highest outcomes.

• Parents in poverty-stricken areas are turning away from the public education system and starting non-formal private community schools.

• The global education crisis is not just about building more classrooms, but improving what happens inside those classrooms.