Resources
Putting evidence-based ideas into widespread practice
We aim to ensure that evidence on improving learning travels from research studies, into government policy, through to large-scale implementation of reforms, and right back into the classroom in the form of day-to-day policy implementation by individual schools and teachers. If this can be achieved, millions of children will have better outcomes.
Resources below.
Filters
Geographical focus
Resource type
Methodology
Pillar
Search
Insight note
Achieving universal foundational learning could increase global GDP by $196 trillion over 20 years
19 January 2026
Cross-country, Global
This study models the global impacts of achieving universal foundational learning, defined as 90% of children able to read at minimum proficiency by age 10, across 114 countries between 2031 and 2050. The analysis projects major benefits on economic growth, tax revenue generation, education, employment, health and gender equality. Read more
Insight note
Evidence use for policy planning and implementation from Ghana and South Africa
25 November 2025
South Africa, Ghana, Cross-country, Evidence use, General
In this insight note, Jennifer Opare-Kumi and Rebecca Trupin interview Dr Eric Nkansah and Dr Nompumelelo Nyathi-Mohohlwane, two officials who drove the use of data and evidence in Ghana and South Africa. Read more
Insight note
Entry points in action: Examples of equipping, connecting, informing and empowering middle-tier education officials in India
17 November 2025
Cross-country, India, Evidence translation
A synthesis of research on how to effectively support middle-tier officials to improve foundational learning produced four entry points: equip, connect, inform and empower. This insight note provides detailed examples of the entry points in action, with a focus on middle-tier officials who provide instructional support to teachers. Read more
Insight note
Improving foundational literacy outcomes: a brief on the components and cost of a ‘just enough’ model for government-led programming
17 October 2025
Cross-country
Governments can improve foundational literacy outcomes at a relatively low incremental cost per student using a ‘just enough’ foundational literacy model. This insight note presents the proposed model, provides estimations of its cost and explores broader strategies to improve cost efficiencies and outcomes. Read more
Insight note
Sustaining global education finance: Protecting learning amid aid cuts
19 September 2025
Cross-country, General
In this insight note, Susannah Hares and Jack Rossiter analyse the trajectory of education aid, the risks of further retrenchment, and how the education sector can prepare to position itself for future opportunities. Read more
Insight note
Pre-service teacher education – the linchpin for embedding sustainable, scalable change in education systems
23 July 2025
Zambia, Malawi
The authors make a case for the formal pre-service teacher education (PSTE) system as the single most promising intervention point in an education system from a sustainability and scalability perspective.
Read more
Insight note
Demand-driven evidence to improve foundational learning: insights from a stakeholder survey
17 April 2025
Evidence translation, Descriptive study
This insight note summarises the main findings of a stakeholder survey of 146 respondents. It covers priority topics and subtopics for research, synthesis and evidence translation, explores the types and uses of evidence outputs, and identifies gaps in existing resources. Read more
Insight note
The path to scale: navigating the scaling of structured pedagogy programmes
12 February 2025
Liberia, Kenya, Evidence translation
This insight note explores some of the pathways taken when scaling structured pedagogy programmes within government education systems through the lens of the intellectual framework of the What Works Hub for Global Education.
Read more
Insight note
A/B testing in education: rapid experimentation to optimise programme cost-effectiveness
22 October 2024
Botswana, Implementation science, Randomised trial
This insight note explores the practical benefits of A/B testing in education, highlighting its ability to optimise interventions quickly and at a low cost in low- and middle-income countries. Read more
Discover more
What we do
Our work will directly affect up to 3 million children, and reach up to 17 million more through its influence.
Who we are
A group of strategic partners, consortium partners, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and professionals working together.
Get involved
Share our goal of literacy, numeracy and other key skills for all children? Follow us, work with us or join us at an event.