Teaching and Learning: Achieving Quality for All (EFA Global Monitoring Report, 2013-2014; Summary)

This Report is an independent publication commissioned by UNESCO on behalf of the international community. It is the product of a collaborative effort involving members of the Report Team and many other people, agencies, institutions and governments. This 11th EFA Global Monitoring Report provides a timely update on progress that countries are making towards the global education goals that were agreed in 2000. It also makes a powerful case for placing education at the heart of the global development agenda after 2015.
An education system is only as good as its teachers. Unlocking their potential is essential to enhancing the quality of learning. Evidence shows that education quality improves when teachers are supported – it deteriorates if they are not, contributing to the shocking levels of youth illiteracy captured in this Report. This Report identifies four strategies to provide the best teachers to reach all children with a good quality education. The Report shows also that teachers can only shine in the right context, with well-designed curricula and assessment strategies to improve teaching and learning. This Report’s evidence clearly shows that education provides sustainability to progress against all development goals. Educate mothers, and you empower women and save children’s lives. Educate communities, and you transform societies and grow economies. This is the message of this EFA Global Monitoring Report.