Basic research and implementation for developing education systems (BRIDGES)

The project has been implemented by the Harvard Institute for International Development and four other U.S. research/education institutions. The evaluation covered the period 1985-8/90. The overall assessment of project accomplishments during the first four years is positive. Important new research-based knowledge was generated and high-quality technical and research assistance was provided to host countries. Although the project has offered an important, creative approach to educational development, there have been some persistent difficulties in project operations and some unfulfilled expectations related to the project"s overambitious scope, complexity, and limited resources of time and money. Moreover, problems associated with educational development and change resist complete understanding, and educational research does not easily result in non-controversial directions for education policy. The project should be extended because it is making good progress despite the problems. Better coordination, specific dissemination strategies (both overseas and in the U.S.), and encouragement of more A.I.D. buy-ins and use of project personnel and site facilities abroad would increase the chances of the project reaching its full potential. The following lesson was learned. (1) To increase the effectiveness of future centrally funded projects, there is a need in complex projects like this one to clarify lines of communication, decision processes, and location of control in project management. Memoranda of understanding specifying tasks, decision points, and persons responsible should all be spelled out and agreed to. (Author abstract)