Incluye bibliografía

Preface -- Executive summary -- Introduction -- 1. Primary education and development -- 2. Improving educational effectiveness -- 3. Improving equitable access -- 4. Strengthening financial support for primary education -- 5. International assistance to education -- 6. Implications for World Bank action -- Summary of recommendations -- Appendix -- Bibliography.

This report presents policy options for improving the effectiveness of schools in developing countries. The recommendations are based on a broad program of research and evaluation that takes into account various country conditions and experiences. The text focuses on problems common to most developing countries and presents an array of low cost policy alternatives that have proved useful in a variety of settings. The report is organized into six sections : the first describes the importance of primary education and the present failure of education systems to meet their objectives. The second section discusses three areas for improvement : enhancing the learning environment, improving the preparation and motivation of teachers, and strengthening educational management. The third section addresses the need to increase equitable access to schooling. The fourth section covers strategies to strengthen the financial base for primary education. The fifth section presents implications for World Bank action. A summary of policy recommendations concludes the report.