Joint sector reviews (JSRs) are a government-led process bringing different stakeholders together to engage in dialogue, review status, and monitor expenditure, progress, and performance in the implementation of its national education sector plans. JSRs take a critical look at past achievements as well as bottlenecks in plan implementation and propose forward-looking remedial actions.

This guide has been elaborated for all education decision makers and practitioners wishing to engage in a collaborative process of sector assessment, review, and course correction of the national education efforts. It is rooted in recent action research, including a literature review, a survey, focus group discussions, and a review of 39 JSRs, and shaped by consultations and knowledge exchange through an iterative peer review process.

View related tools:

• Self-assessment tool
• Maturity ladder

Communications materials:

• PowerPoint: Introducing the JSR guidelines
• At a glance: Practical guide for organizing effective joint sector reviews

Cross-country exchange initiative:

• Concept note
• Toolbox

Background paper:

• Key takeaways: Effective joint sector reviews as (mutual) accountability platforms