LASER GLOBAL REPORT
The LASER Global Report National Education Statistical Capacity Assessment: Global Analysis Based on a Maturity Model is the first in a series of annual UIS publications presenting a global assessment of the status and capacity of education data ecosystems in 205 countries.
It is based on the results of a series of diagnostic evaluations of data quality and availability for each of the data sources and dimensions for policy use. It relies on a very simplified maturity model approach, the purpose of which is to help countries know where they are and aim to achieving greater maturity over time.
LASER Country Profiles
The LASER report is accompanied by an online platform that generates individual LASER country profiles known as National Education Statistical Capacity Assessment: Global Analysis Based on a Maturity Model. These profiles give an overview of the education data ecosystem in a country, evaluating its performance across various LASER components.
Explore LASER Country Profiles through our interactive platform, offering country-specific insights.
What is LASER?
LASER is a tool developed by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics operating as an education statistical capacity assessment. It adopts a holistic approach to assess whether a country’s education data ecosystem is collecting and effectively using the variety of data sources required for policymaking and the overall governance of the education sector.
LASER helps countries:
- Identify required data for education indicators
- Assess data quality and disaggregation to address inequalities
- Develop strategies that strengthen statistical capacity to bridge gaps and fortify education data ecosystems
The LASER acrostic reflects the following five components which characterize the education data ecosystem:
1. Learning assessment system meets international standards.
2. Administrative data on key indicators is regularly collected and covers major education issues and dimensions of inequality.
3. Survey population system collects education indicators and dimensions of inequality on a regular basis.
4. Expenditure data is reported regularly for all sources of private and public expenditure.
5. Review and Monitor Progress looks at accountability through the publication of indicators reports, the elaboration of national plans and the monitoring of progress through benchmarks.
The LASER score, derived from each of these five components, reflects a country’s overall statistical capacity. Each component’s score stems from its sub-components, offering a granular view of the strengths and weaknesses of the national education data ecosystem.
Read the LASER Concept note