Why do bureaucracies get so bloated? Why have efforts to improve education struggled? Why have attempts at administrative reform failed? Such questions confound Latin American nations as they strive to make their social and economic programs more effective. They frustrate donor agencies as they watch their carefully-tailored technical assistance come up short. But they also … [Read more...] about Who Decides Social Policy?
A Call for Development: When a Phone Alone Can Alleviate Poverty
While the technology world is caught in a flurry of speculation about the potential new features of the next iPhone, expected to be released in late September, a simple mobile phone with basic features is having a meaningful impact as a tool to alleviate poverty in the developing world. When it comes to the poor, telephony is the Information and Telecommunications Technology … [Read more...] about A Call for Development: When a Phone Alone Can Alleviate Poverty
Using Technology in Education: How Can We Identify Effective Programs?
By: Elena Arias Ortiz and Julian Cristia As a follow-up to our blog post regarding raising more awareness about the importance of evaluations, today we’d like to share with you the impact of evaluating the best way to incorporate educational technologies in Latin America and the Caribbean (the region). Governments in the region have implemented a wide range of initiatives to … [Read more...] about Using Technology in Education: How Can We Identify Effective Programs?
Call for Proposals: Private Spending on Skills Development in Latin America and the Caribbean
There is broad consensus that the level and distribution of skills in a country play a key role in determining growth and inequality. Unfortunately, there is clear evidence pointing to deficient and unequal accumulation of skills in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). What do we know about the payoffs of investing in skills development? Do these investments help to improve … [Read more...] about Call for Proposals: Private Spending on Skills Development in Latin America and the Caribbean
Hitting Kids: How Much Does It Hurt?
By: Norbert Schady During the recent riots in Baltimore, MD, Toya Graham, an irate mother of a would-be protester, became an instant celebrity when she was caught on tape roughing up her son. She appeared on the evening news slapping his head repeatedly and pushing him down the street away from the violence that was engulfing the city. Given the situation, Ms. Graham’s … [Read more...] about Hitting Kids: How Much Does It Hurt?