Education in Costa Rica. Reviews of National Policies for Education

Foreword Acknowledgements Table of contents Acronyms and abbreviations Executive summary Assessment and recommendations Introduction Main trends: progress in participation is not yet matched by learning outcomes and equity Early childhood education and care: providing a strong start for learning and life Basic education in Costa Rica: from access to learning for all Completing upper secondary school and pathways beyond: rethinking diversified education in Costa Rica Tertiary education: reform to strengthen its role in a growing economy Steering the system to higher levels of performance References Chapter 1. Education in Costa Rica: An engine for development The context Main features and trends Education governance and financing in Costa Rica: using funding to get results Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 2. Early Childhood and Care: Giving all children a strong start in earning and life The state of ECEC Policy Issues Policy Issue 2.1. Providing the leadership and funding to drive reform Policy Issue 2.2. Raising the quality of care for young children (aged 0-3 years) by engaging parents and encouraging a stronger focus on learning Policy Issue 2.3. Ensuring all children aged 4-6 benefit from quality preschool education Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 3. Basic education in Costa Rica: from access to learning for all The state of basic education Policy Issues Policy Issue 3.1. Consolidating a high-quality teaching profession Policy Issue 3.2. Building capacity for improvement in schools Policy Issue 3.3. Strengthening the national evaluation system Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 4. Completing upper secondary school and pathways beyond: rethinking diversified education in Costa Rica The state of upper secondary education Policy Issues Policy issue 4.1. Raising participation and tackling dropout Policy issue 4.2. Reforming curricula and assessments to promote better outcomes for all Policy issue 4.3. Strengthening vocational education and training Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 5. Tertiary education in Costa Rica and its role in a growing economy The state of tertiary education Policy Issues Policy issue 5.1. Developing quality assurance and improving transparency Policy issue 5.2. Reforming student finance and the funding of tertiary education Policy issue 5.3. Developing and implementing a long-term strategy for sector-wide improvement Conclusion and recommendations References Annex A. Composition of the review team As Costa Ricaâs economy has developed in recent decades, the education system that helped propel the country to upper middle-income status now needs reform to respond to rising expectations and changing demands for skills. New challenges are emerging: economic growth has recently slowed, inequality is widening and productivity growth is weak. How can Costa Rica improve both the quality and equity of its education system while also addressing efficiency challenges? This report assesses Costa Ricaâs policies and practices against best practice in education from across the OECD and other reference countries in the Latin American region. It analyses its education systemâs major strengths and the challenges it faces, from early childhood education and care to tertiary education. It offers recommendations on how Costa Rica can improve quality and equity to ensure strong, sustainable and inclusive growth. This report will be of interest in Costa Rica as well as other countries looking to raise the quality, equity and efficiency of their education systems. [Executive summary, ed]