A revolution in real-time, data-driven assessment of pupil and school performance? Evidence from the School Information System in Tanzania

A major shortcoming of pupil assessment processes in Tanzania is the lack of regular and timely data available to education professionals at all levels. The School Information System (pilot launched in late 2016) aims to... [ view full abstract ]

A major shortcoming of pupil assessment processes in Tanzania is the lack of regular and timely data available to education professionals at all levels. The School Information System (pilot launched in late 2016) aims to overcome this through the collection and daily transmission of systematic and comparable data, including assessment data. The software on the tablet-based system has been designed to enable sustainable and cost-effective use, even for hard-to-reach schools.

Regular collection and transmission of assessment, attendance and behaviour data will enable head teachers, teachers (and parents) to use evidence when discussing pupil progress and deciding what teaching and learning improvements are needed. Aggregated reports automatically generated by the system will enable local government to quickly identify schools making progress, those struggling and take action. Can this catalyse a data-driven revolution?