Jamaica Education Transformation Capacity Building Program
The Jamaica Education Transformation Capacity Building Program aimed to improve student learning outcomes through results-based financing (RBF) mechanisms. The program focused on areas proven to enhance learning, such as improving numeracy and literacy achievement rates in primary grades and increasing pass rates in core subjects at the secondary level.
Key components included:
- Improving Grade 4 numeracy and literacy achievement rates
- Increasing pass rates for Grade 6 students in mathematics and English language
- Building capacity of key education agencies to implement reforms
- Strengthening teacher management and development systems
- Enhancing school leadership and management
The RBF approach linked financing to pre-agreed results, incentivizing improvements in educational quality and student performance. Independent verification of results was conducted before disbursements were made.
Pros
Achieved significant improvements in student learning outcomes
Incentivized focus on results rather than just inputs
Strengthened capacity of education agencies to implement reforms
Aligned financing with desired educational outcomes
Cons
May have created pressure to achieve short-term results at the expense of longer-term systemic changes
Potential challenges in accurately measuring and verifying complex educational outcomes
Risk of neglecting areas not directly tied to RBF indicators
Partners
World Bank
Government of Jamaica