Focus Articles

In each edition of the GEM Report, the Monitoring Section provides focus articles highlighting key issues that are shaping progress towards SDG 4. Here we provide a selection of these articles related to the themes of the SCOPE website.

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Acceso

Will micro-credentials challenge traditional higher education degrees?

GEM Report 2023

Despite being part of the ‘three Rs’ of basic skills taught in schools, writing – unlike reading and mathematics – is rarely included in standardized learning assessments.

How do demand factors prevent universal schooling?

GEM Report 2021

In 2020, 260 million children, adolescents and youth were out of school. Examining the reasons and the barriers that keep them from education can help governments design better policies to address the problem.

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Equidad

First-generation students have it hard everywhere

GEM Report 2023

One group that is not mentioned at all in the SDG 4 framework is first-generation learners, i.e. learners who are the first in their family to attend a particular level of schooling.

Education spending should focus on equity

GEM Report 2021

SDG thematic indicator 4.5.3 aims to capture countries’ efforts to redistribute public resources to support disadvantaged groups.

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Aprendizaje

(How) do writing tools and techniques matter?

GEM Report 2023

Despite being part of the ‘three Rs’ of basic skills taught in schools, writing – unlike reading and mathematics – is rarely included in standardized learning assessments.

Does reading speed matter?

GEM Report 2023

If reading comprehension is to be improved, the means to that end – the mechanics of reading – must be understood.

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Calidad

School buildings have ample technology

GEM Report 2023

Schooling does not require a building, but buildings such as tents and temporary structures can provide ventilation, hygiene facilities and shelter from the natural elements.

Can solar power close the school electrification gap?

GEM Report 2023

Large numbers of schools in low- and middle-income countries, especially primary schools, do not have electricity.

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Financiación

What do online searches reveal about interest in international scholarships?

GEM Report 2023

Monitoring scholarships suffers from a lack of robust data.

Poor countries need to increase tax revenue to fund education

GEM Report 2021

SDG thematic indicator 4.5.3 aims to capture countries’ efforts to redistribute public resources to support disadvantaged groups.

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