Enhancing Efficiency and Effectiveness in Education

Project Information

EFFEct

Grant agreement ID: 101129146

DOI

10.3030/101129146

EC signature date 26 October 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 31 January 2028

Funded under

• Culture, creativity and inclusive society

Total cost

€ 2 773 643,75

EU contribution

€ 2 773 643,75

Coordinated by

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EFFEct (Enhancing Efficiency and Effectiveness in Education)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Despite substantial investments, education quality in certain EU countries has stalled or worsened, disproportionately affecting marginalised populations. This jeopardises economic growth and social progress, underscoring the need for efficient and impactful educational policies. In this context, the EU-funded EFFEct project brings together education scientists, psychologists and economists to unravel the intricacies of educational effectiveness and efficiency. By employing (quasi-)experimental evidence, this multidisciplinary effort aims to dissect and improve various facets of education, from addressing inequalities to navigating the challenges brought forth by the digital age and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. With objectives spanning from targeted programmes for disadvantaged students to analysing post-COVID-19 system efficiency, EFFEct aims to provide evidence-backed policy recommendations. The project focuses on improving system efficiency and effectiveness through a meticulous, data-driven approach. By concentrating on key areas such as policy development, policy evaluations, program design, and actionable measures, EFFEct strives to elevate educational standards throughout the region. More specifically, EFFEct has four interrelated objectives. Objective 1 develops effective strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Objective 2 provides robust recommendations on ‘Teachers, Trainers and Digital transition’. Objective 3 offers evidence-based recommendations for improving the delivery and impact of education programs. Objective 4 improves efficient use of public resources, plus measures of equity and inclusion of education and training systems. To reach its aims, EFFEct is a gender-balanced multidisciplinary consortium of economists, sociologists, (neuro-)psychologists, teacher trainers, educational scientists, mathematicians, as well as experts in sustainability, and operational research. from leading research groups at five European research universities and institutions and an NGO.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The Horizon Europe project EFFEct has made substantial progress in advancing the scientific understanding of the structural and institutional factors shaping educational inequalities across European countries. The project aims to provide evidence-based insights into how education policies can be designed to foster equality of opportunity, reduce socio-economic disparities, and enhance educational outcomes for disadvantaged groups.

During the first reporting period, EFFEct has exceeded its initial objectives by delivering high-quality research across multiple work packages. The project teams have produced several journal articles, working papers, and policy briefs, covering topics such as European Universities efficiency, educational impacts of the pandemic, the effects of information on education preferences, among others. These contributions have provided new empirical insights into how education policies can be optimized for greater equity and impact. EFFEct has utilized extensive datasets on school-level resource allocation, student performance, and policy interventions across multiple European countries. These datasets have allowed for rigorous quantitative analyses, including advanced econometric modeling and spatial analysis, offering a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving educational disparities. The project has actively contributed to policy discussions through expert participation in high-level advisory meetings and workshops.

Overall, EFFEct is emerging as a leading research initiative in the field of education policy and inequality. Its interdisciplinary approach, extensive empirical analysis, and direct engagement with policymakers ensure that its findings contribute meaningfully to ongoing debates on how to create more equitable and effective education systems in Europe.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The EFFEct project has made significant strides in advancing educational research and policy recommendations beyond the state of the art. By bringing together education scientists, psychologists, and economists, the project has provided rigorous, evidence-based insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of education policies across the EU. With 8 journal publications and 8 policy briefs exceeding initial targets, as well as active participation in academic and policy forums, EFFEct has firmly positioned itself as a key contributor to the discourse on education quality, inclusion, and efficiency.

EFFEct makes a major contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education by researching educational disadvantage, elite and religious schools, and cost-effective interventions. Its work on post-pandemic student achievements and engagement with policymakers and media ensures practical impact.

In teacher development and digital transition, EFFEct evaluates policies to enhance teacher effectiveness and digital integration. Its pilot of a Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL) program, research on digital education, and workshops on instructional data use reinforce its influence on practice and policy.

The project advances instruction and learning through cost-effective teacher training, complex instruction for disadvantaged students, and skilling initiatives. Pilot-tested teacher development programs and research on classroom interactions ensure actionable recommendations.
EFFEct also examines education finance by analyzing funding mechanisms and policy cost-effectiveness. Its collaboration with policymakers and financial institutions enhances real-world application.

EFFEct Project Team Photo (Milan Consortium Meeting Sept 2024)