Cost Effectiveness Of Smart Schools And Traditional Secondary Schools In Malaysia PDF Download

Low levels of student achievement and school quality persist in developing countries. This document reviews the importance of school quality in increasing literacy and influencing economic growth in developing nations. Improvements are discussed in terms of: (1) school quality and economic development; (2) defining school quality; (3) improving school quality; and (4) increasing school efficiency. Evidence suggests that low school quality accounts for low literacy levels and achievement among children in developing nations and that little progress has occurred in improving school quality in the poorest countries since 1970. Definitions of school quality should focus on characteristics that influence student achievement and on efforts that encourage more efficient management and effective local school staff. Little research has been conducted about the influence of teaching practices and classroom organization on achievement levels, but access to textbooks and writing materials and teacher quality consistently influence student achievement. Methods for studying the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of management practices in terms of increased school quality are reviewed, and investments that can be reduced without causing detrimental effects are identified. Tables and a 94-item bibliography are included. (Author/JHP)