Trends in Mathematics Learning in Ethiopia: 2012-2019

In this Insight Note, we explore the possible explanations for the decline in learning levels among primary school pupils in relation to the General Education Quality Improvement Programme (GEQIP) reforms that wereintended to improve quality and equity in the Ethiopian basic education system. We examine the extent to which mathematics learning levels for Grade 4 pupils have declined over time, despite the implementation of reforms to improve them, as well as the lessons that may be drawn from this. We also examine whether there is any difference in the benefits of the educational reforms for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds (i.e., from rural areas, emerging regions, and from the lowest socio-economic background). We make use of a unique longitudinal dataset on 33 schools in six regions of Ethiopia covering the period 2012 to 2019.