Using data for decision-making and practice in programs for educational development: case study from India

While evidence indicates promising strategies to address the learning crisis in low- and middle-income countries, their effectiveness in practice largely depends on the quality of program implementation. Data constitutes an essential foundation for development cooperation agencies to deliver programs of quality. This study investigates how a development cooperation agency can systematically collect and use data through a case study of the Indian NGO Pratham. The case study identifies five key principles for effective data use: (i) selecting actionable indicators, (ii) integrating data use into decision-making processes, (iii) preventing organisational silos through communication using data, (iv) ensuring sustained commitment and guidance from senior management, and (v) developing human resources through “learning by doing”. These principles offer practical insights for development cooperation agencies to enhance their use of data in program management.