This rapid review aims to examine:
- The conceptual frameworks underpinning education systems research in low and middle income countries (LMICS) and to what extent these are clearly articulated and widely accepted.
- The extent and nature of education systems research in LMICs, its key findings and quality.
The results of the review are presented in 4 sections:
- Conceptual frameworks proposed by International Organisations and Programmes
- Discussion papers, Literature Reviews and Strategy Documents proposing a conceptual framework for education systems
- Individual country case studies of education systems
- Comparative case studies or comparative education systems research across countries
- A wide range of conceptual frameworks were identified regarding education systems in low and middle income countries but these were not accepted widely or used extensively as a basis for research.
- Many of the conceptual frameworks were proposed in policy discussion papers or developed as implementation tools rather than being primarily intended as research frameworks.
- There is a need for more agreement regarding the conceptual frameworks which should underpin education systems research to enable more direct comparison between research studies and the development of a strong evidence base.