Abstract:
One of the most critical challenges Pakistan faces today is the need to
improve and expand its education system. With important political and
demographic changes taking place, greater devolution and strengthened
democracy, this is an opportune moment to build a better system. Not only does the
purpose of education have to be defined beyond what has been left over from
colonial administrative objectives, but a much greater effort has to be invested in
developing the skills and talents of the majority of the population.
Punjab, Pakistan's largest province, has taken several education reform
initiatives to improve education outcomes. However about a quarter of school age
children are still not attending school either because they never enrolled or because
they dropped out early. Low transition rates to secondary education are of special
concern. Moreover, recent assessments have shown that students' knowledge and
comprehension of basic subjects remains alarmingly low. Improved learning in
schools is therefore another important challenge. Patterns in learning achievement
in Punjab indicate the importance of school level factors, implying that a good
school could make up for other regional and socio-economic disparities. Better
quality schools also attract more students from the poorest families, because when
parents expect better returns from education, the time and resources spent on
schooling becomes worthwhile. This paper will review the extent to which critical
gaps in achievement levels and other educational outcomes have been addressed by
past policies and current reform programs
