Strategic Review of the EDUCO Program - EQUIP123.net

Strategic Review of the EDUCO ProgramJuly 2010Following is an explanation of each option that evaluates its advantages and disadvantages. Implicationsof implementation by MINED are explained for each option, such as changes in laws, budget allocations,personnel restructuring, etc.Options that Maintain a Bifurcated SystemOption A. Continue EDUCO as it Currently ExistsThis option would continue existing policy in which the ACEs, run by the community, manage financialand administrative activities, govern the schools, and assume general accountability for teacher performance.Likewise, annual teacher contracts that the ACE administers and renews would be maintained.Finally, MINED, through the Departmental Education Offices, would continue issuing payment ofwages to teachers on a monthly basis. This option would not affect CDE schools. The advantages anddisadvantages of this option are as follows:Access to educationAdvantagesContinues in rural, high povertyareas. Can quickly respond toemerging needs with the ACEs’expeditious procedures. Canachieve Social Education Plangoals in ACEs.DisadvantagesSituation for access to middleand high school levels is unclear.Specific studies are needed oncoverage at these levels.QualityAdministrative andinstitutional managementLearning will not be radicallyaffected. ACE schools wouldcontinue performing at a levelcomparable to CDE schools.Local government andaccountability in ACE schoolsremain. The school budgetremains, which is higher forACE schools.The main problem wouldcontinue to be that students arenot learning what they needto learn in either ACE or CDEschools. Their test grades are stillvery low.Schools continue withoutprofessional administrationwith leadership. MINEDwould continue with a highadministrative burden in itsdepartmental offices.Human resources managementACE school teachers wouldcontinue attending schoolsmore. Annual contracts remain.Teachers receive more money inannual severance payments andyear-end bonuses.Teachers would not have theoption to transfer. Tension overjob stability would continue.There is no system for complaintsand grievances.35