Reform in Progress: Current Trends and Concerns in Developing ...

This study is intended to provide information for those involved in designing and
developing an EMIS. Specifically, it sheds light on obstacles that could be encountered,
looked at from different angles, from the standpoint of data users (policy makers,
researchers, etc.) and data producers (educational institutions, EMIS staff, etc.).
The Purpose of Information Management Systems in Education
An efficient governance and management of education systems strongly rely on
accurate, timely, easily accessible, and relevant information. This is usually provided by
the solid information systems used by the education managers and planners. Lack of data
often causes difficulties in developing effective plans, conducting national analyses,
reviews, and evaluations, making critical interventions in certain parts of the system,
participating in international comparisons, etc. The response for the need to easily gather
and access data was often apparent throughout the development of EMISs.
The importance of having a functional, reliable, and sustainable EMIS was rarely
under question, considering its foreseen benefits. Such a system assures informed
decision making and represents the vital support to officials and education administration
needed in reform efforts and improvement of different aspects of education. Also, an
EMIS is an important part of the Quality Evaluation Systems in education. The European
Union (EU) documents the importance of Quality education, often stressing it as one of
the principal objectives at all levels of education in the context of the learning society.
The Quality Evaluation and School Self-Evaluation, in particular, are seen as useful tools
for tracking down students’ dropout rates (European Commission 2000). Finally,
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