About This Database
A comprehensive, searchable resource cataloging education policies implemented across 20 Latin American countries, designed for researchers, policymakers, and students seeking evidence-based insights.
Who Is This For?
This database serves researchers studying education policy and development economics, policy evaluators designing impact studies and identifying evidence gaps, and policymakers seeking evidence-based options for improving education outcomes across Latin America.
Evidence Quality Ratings
We rate each policy's evidence base on a five-tier scale based on the rigor and consistency of available evaluations:
Multiple RCTs or rigorous quasi-experimental studies with consistent findings
At least one well-designed RCT or multiple high-quality quasi-experimental studies
Promising evidence from quasi-experimental studies or early-stage RCTs
Limited evidence, primarily descriptive or correlational studies
No systematic evaluation evidence available
Study Methodologies
We prioritize evaluations using rigorous methodologies that can establish causal impacts:
Randomized Controlled Trials
RCTsThe gold standard for causal inference. Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups.
Regression Discontinuity
RDDExploits sharp eligibility thresholds to compare outcomes just above and below cutoffs.
Difference-in-Differences
DiDCompares changes over time between treatment and comparison groups.
Instrumental Variables
IVUses exogenous variation to isolate causal effects when randomization isn't possible.
Policy Categories
Policies are categorized by intervention type. Many policies span multiple categories:
Payments conditional on school attendance
Free meals or snacks at school
Increased instructional time
Technology and connectivity programs
Training, evaluation, and incentives
Subsidies for private school attendance
Scholarships and affirmative action
Programs for children 0-5
Bilingual and intercultural programs
One-on-one or small group instruction
Data Sources
Policy information and evaluation evidence is compiled from peer-reviewed research and official government documentation:
Limitations
This database aims to be comprehensive but has limitations. Not all policies have been rigorously evaluated, and we may not have captured all relevant studies. Evidence quality ratings are our assessment and may differ from others. Impact findings should be interpreted in context—effects may vary by implementation quality, target population, and local conditions.
Citation
Latin America Education Policy Database. (2024). Retrieved from [URL]