In recent decades, many countries have increased investment in and expanded access to education, and have implemented numerous reforms to improve the quality of learning and teaching. Yet many efforts at change in education systems seem to fail. For instance, goals for universal basic education have still not been attained, drop-out rates are high, and many learners leave school unprepared to meet the challenges of modern life. 

This session explored how innovations – ranging from national reforms to high-impact, small-scale projects – can effectively raise achievement levels and increase equity of educational outcomes. What are the key drivers, considering both top-down and bottom-up approaches, for achieving effective reforms?