Vol. 2008 No. 1 (2008)
Methodological Evaluation of Secondary Schools Systems in Senegal: A Randomized Field Trial on Adoption Rates
Abstract
The educational landscape in Senegal includes a complex system of secondary schools, which are crucial for the country's future workforce development and socio-economic growth. A stratified random sampling approach was employed, ensuring representation across different regions and socio-economic backgrounds. A mixed-methods design combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews provided comprehensive insights into school systems' adaptability and challenges. The findings indicate that while approximately 60% of schools adopted new curricula within the first year post-intervention, there was a significant variation in adoption rates across urban versus rural settings (p < 0.05). This randomized field trial provides valuable data for policymakers and educators to enhance education quality by addressing identified barriers to change. Policymakers should prioritise capacity building programmes for teachers and school administrators, alongside financial support mechanisms to facilitate the successful implementation of new educational practices. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.