The objective of this Technical Note is to describe the way competitive funds operate, based on examples from developed countries. The ultimate goal is to inform and guide its possible design and implementation in Latin American and Caribbean countries. The selected examples offer interesting contrasts due to the heterogeneity of their design, objectives and operation. In addition, these are new funds that were recently designed by the respective governments, with the purpose of introducing improvements in public policies for financing job training.

The lack of high-quality professional training and development and the unequal distribution of human resources suggests there is a need for a greater focus on how to better recruit, train, and retain excellent teachers.

School absenteeism in the region remains high and has increased. This is worrisome, since it is linked to a deteriorating school environment and worse results. Moreover, absenteeism is higher among the most disadvantaged students.

Poor performance, a lack of educational resources, and inadequate infrastructure all suggest that Latin America and Caribbean countries not only must invest more in education, but also consider how they can do so more fairly and efficiently.

Belize LQAS Survey Documents.

Poverty remains one of the most important barriers to learning in the region. However, a small percentage of poor students achieve positive results, showing that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can achieve success in school.