Overview of Working Groups

PREAL’s regional working groups are multinational networks of policy specialists that collaborate to generate in-depth, policy relevant information on key education topics. Members analyze existing information, promote informed debates, identify policy options, and make recommendations on how to improve policies. They also serve as an ongoing source of expertise and advice for policy-makers.

Standards and Evaluation

This group is based at Grupo de Análisis para el Desarrollo (GRADE) in Peru, and is composed of experts on student learning, educational quality and standards. Many of the group’s members work on technical teams whose job is to improve the relevance, validity, and reliability of national tests. The group also has an extensive network of individuals who communicate virtually and promote forums and debates on recent research and contingent issues.

Coordinator: Patricia de Arregui, Peru

Teacher Professionalization

This group focuses on analyzing policies to improve teacher training and professional development, teachers’ work environment, and institutional management. Coordinated by a six-member committee, this group is based at ORT University in Uruguay. Its activities include sharing successful practices, conducting studies and reports, and offering policy recommendations to the sector. The group publishes a monthly virtual bulletin that provides information on the social profile of teachers, their working conditions, the teaching profession, teaching incentives, and performance evaluations.

Coordinator: Denise Vaillant, Uruguay

Decentralization and School Autonomy

Aimed at establishing a discussion on decentralized management and school autonomy, this group looks at various country experiences in this field, proposes suggestions for policy design and improvement, and put these issues on the agenda throughout the region. Its activities include preparing studies on decentralized management and organizing public workshops and events on the topic.