Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:

1. Basic education is defined as receiving some kind of formal primary, secondary, or tertiary (post-secondary) education. As of 1820 approximately what portion of people worldwide received at least some basic formal education?

2. What was the first year that more people worldwide had a basic formal education than not?

3. As of 2020 approximately what percent of people worldwide still did not have a basic formal education?

4. According to the World Bank there are approximately 7.888 billion people. Roughly, how many people total currently have no basic formal education?

5. What is the big story of change over time that the data tells?

6. Formal education is a very recent phenomenon. In the early 1800s, fewer than 1 in 5 adults had some basic education. Education was a luxury; in all places, it was only available to a small elite. But you can see that this share has grown dramatically, such that this ratio is now reversed. Less than 1 in 5 adults has not received any formal education. What do you think caused the changes in education levels over time?

7. Based on the visual above, how does the level of basic education vary by country?

8. Access to education is now seen as a fundamental right – in many cases, it’s the government’s duty to provide it. Why do you think some countries do not guarantee this basic human right?

9. A good education offers individuals the opportunity to lead richer, more interesting lives. At a societal level, it creates opportunities for humanity to solve its pressing problems. What are the biggest benefits that education brings the world?

10. One of the biggest gaps in global education is between boys and girls. According to UNICEF  estimates, around the world, 129 million girls are out of school, including 32 million of primary (elementary) school age, and 97 million of secondary school age.  Some of the causes of this gender gap are Gender bias, Poverty, Violence, Child marriage, which According to a recent World Bank report more than 41,000 girls under the age of 18 marry every day. A recent World Bank study estimates that the “limited educational opportunities for girls, and barriers to completing 12 years of education, cost countries between US$15 trillion1 and $30 trillion in lost lifetime productivity and earnings.” All these factors combined can help lift households, communities, and countries out of poverty. Why do you think some people still oppose education for girls.

Write and Discuss

Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.

Act on your Learning

The world is in the depths of a learning crisis. According to estimates, nearly two-thirds of 10-year-olds globally are unable to read and understand a simple story. Futures hang in the balance as education systems fail to ensure children learn the basic skills they need for lifelong learning. They deserve better. Introduced by Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Grace Meng (D-NY), and Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), the READ Reauthorization Act of 2023 (H.R. 681/S.41) extends the authorization of the original 2017 READ Act for an additional five years, continuing U.S. efforts to expand equitable access to quality education for children in foreign assistance. The READ Act ensures the U.S. government will continue to update and report on their strategy to improve foundational literacy and numeracy in basic education around the globe. Every child has the right to quality education. Click here to urge your legislators to co-sponsor and push for passage of the READ Reauthorization Act of 2023.

Get Creative

Despite the advances in education, over a billion people age 15 and over still do not have formal education. What would it be like to be denied a formal education? How would not being able to read or do math impact your life. Imagine you were born one of those billion people without formal education. Describe how your life would be different and what opportunities you would lose without education.

Learn More

Go to the Our World In Data website and use their wicked cool interactive visuals about education gains over the past two centuries.