Basic and Secondary Education
Education is not just a concern for governments, but for students and parents, communities, and employers. It is critical for reducing poverty.
Primary education enrollment averages around 90% in the region. However, this high rate masks serious deficiencies in student retention, quality of education, and knowledge gained. Dropout rates are a source of concern. Persistent weaknesses in basic education have slowed progression to higher levels of education.
At the secondary education level, enrollment rates are far lower. School construction is required, particularly in areas of rapid population growth. Other steps to expand secondary education include comprehensive policy, financing, and structural reforms, as well as efforts to improve teacher training, curricula, and education service delivery.
-
The Female Secondary Stipend and Assistance Program in Bangladesh: What Did It Accomplish?
This paper examines the impact of Female Secondary Stipend and Assistance Program (FSSAP) on education in Bangladesh along with its effects on socioeconomic outcomes and demography. -
Different Approaches to Learning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Case Studies from Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Finland
This publication presents case studies on the successful application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Finland. -
Cost–Benefit Analysis of Face-to-Face Closure of Schools to Control COVID-19 in the Philippines
This brief models the effectiveness of closing face-to-face schooling to help contain COVID-19 in the Philippines. It finds much higher health and economic costs than benefits from untargeted closures, and recommends alternatives. -
Asian Development Review: Volume 37, Number 2
This issue includes a guide to the ADB COVID-19 Policy Database and articles on trade, manufacturing, human capital, and education in Asia and the Pacific. -
Teach for the Philippines
ADB, in partnership with the Government of Korea through the e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund, helps address basic education challenges in the Philippines. -
New Infrastructure Is Improving Daily Life in Mongolia’s Ger Areas
Daily life is getting better for the family of Otgonchimeg Jambalsuren in the Bayankhoshuu ger area in Ulaanbaatar thanks to new infrastructure built under an ADB project, confinanced with the European Investment Bank. -
Taking Education to the Next Level: What Can Be Learned from Benchmarking Education across Economies?
This paper provides new evidence on the types of inputs that matter to improving educational outcomes. Data from across 69 economies were gathered using a scoring system that attempts to capture quality dimensions. -
Developing National Student Assessment Systems for Quality Education: Lessons from the Republic of Korea
This study highlights key lessons from student assessment in the Republic of Korea and discusses the assessment system’s role in the country’s progress in education. -
Impact Evaluation Baseline Survey of School Dormitory Environment in Mongolia
This report presents the impact evaluation of a grant project administered by the Asian Development Bank to improve the school dormitory environment for primary students in western Mongolia. -
Education and Skills Development under the CAREC Program: A Scoping Study
This report examines how CAREC member countries can collaborate on education and skills development in the region toward 2030.