The data revolution in education

Abstract

This paper recommends a data revolution in education built on the foundation of national statistical systems, supported by international organizations in a global compact for monitoring the education SDG. In this compact, international organizations that serve UN Member States provide technical assistance, enhance coordination among stakeholders, and support the production of data as a global public good, thus reducing transaction costs for countries in pursuit of the goal of quality education for all. Options include the adoption of open data practices, investment in new information technologies for data storage and presentation, and greater data integration and systematic information exchanges among different levels of government and other institutions.