Education Sector Development Program Project

closed

The Croatia Education Sector Development Project aims to improve student learning and system performance. The medium- term goal is that teachers and students will use a wider range of appropriate methods in teaching and learning, and that system management (including policy development, implementation, monitoring and fiduciary oversight) is strengthened. There are four project components or priorities. Priority One is enriching the classroom by renewing curriculum in all schools and shifting the focus of teaching towards active learning, problem-solving and understanding. This component incorporates National Education Standards in school curricula, develops teachers' professional knowledge and skills, and creates professional learning communities for teachers in schools. Priority Two improves monitoring and evaluation. This component establishes an externally administrated school leaving examination, Matura, and supports the design and establishment of this examination and related logistics; and develops policies, activities, and structures that improve the capacities of the education system to collect, analyze, assess, and disseminate information related to the system's performance. Priority Three strengthens management and leadership by supporting efforts to improve management, e.g. policy development, planning and fiduciary capacities, and coordination capacities at the regional level and educational leadership at the school level. Priority Four supports regional development and innovations to reduce the number of schools that operate in multiple shifts. This includes promoting opportunities for schools to provide more optional and non-formal activities.