Priority Area Four
What works to
enhance
accountability
to improve
education system
cohesion in Pakistan?
Introduction
This research agenda aims to propose research that fills evidence gaps on key issues in Pakistan pertaining to political economy considerations surrounding decentralisation reforms in the country, as well as examining the (in)coherence of school monitoring and accountability systems.
Research will focus on understanding the education system in Pakistan from the viewpoint of implementing promising pilot interventions at scale. This includes, for example, issues related to accountability as practiced through power dynamics and the flow of information among people working at different levels in decision-making within education departments within Pakistan’s devolved education system. This also entails an exploration of the functionality of accountability mechanisms, as well as feedback loops between education departments and parents/communities that shape an effective government system.
Sub Themes
Decentralisation and governance
The research under this sub-theme explores the intricate relationship between decentralisation, governance, and its impact on education service delivery in the Pakistani context. Considering the debate between equity and efficacy, the research projects delve into how governance structures and accountability mechanisms are shaped by the power dynamics inherent in decentralisation across diverse contexts within Pakistan.
Coherence of school monitoring and accountability systems
This sub-theme delves into the multifaceted factors that influence accountability within the education system, specifically examining how school and district-level management staff and other education managers have better accountability for improved quality of student learning experiences. It also focuses on how various stakeholders function within the system to achieve desired outcomes.
