FHI 360 explored whether different school-based management models affect student learning, focusing specifically on the El Salvador Community Managed Schools Program (EDUCO) program in El Salvador. This study was funded by the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation.

To determine whether a decentralized or centralized system of school management affects student learning outcomes, FHI 360’s evaluation applied a mixed-methods design involving three components:
– A hierarchical growth model to estimate the impact of the change in management models on school performance
– A qualitative component to measure perceptions of teachers, principals and parents
– A cost-effectiveness analysis

The evaluation found that the change in school management models did not have a significant positive or negative impact on student learning or advancement in former EDUCO schools. Further, the evaluation found that learning and advancement steeply declined in both sets of schools and was likely related to other changes in education policy.

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