The purpose of the online discussion is to provide a forum for stakeholders to discuss key questions relating to the evolving nature of regulation of private education. It will provide an opportunity to share experiences and examples of good practice to facilitate informed policy development and implementation.
The discussion is hosted by the Private Sector Development Blog, (http://psdblog.worldbank.org/). All postings are to be made via the blog with the discussion tab located on the left border of the blog homepage. A brief précis will be posted to registered participants at the close of each day and a summary report at the discussion’s conclusion.
The structure for the online discussion will be as follows: two questions will be posed with one question addressed each week. Guest commentators have been invited to provide opening statements/observations with regard to each of the questions; thereafter, the discussion will be open to all. The two questions proposed for discussion are:
Week 1 – November 3 to 7. What are the major challenges in regulating private education and how might they be overcome?
Week 2 – November 10 to 14. Should governments involve private providers in policy and decision making relating to the role of the private sector? If so, what are the most effective mechanisms for doing this? If not, why not?
The discussion will be moderated by Svava Bjarnason, IFC Senior Education Specialist and Suzanne Roddis, Manager of EdInvest (an IFC/CFBT joint venture).
Context
It is recognized that countries are at various stages of development in relation to the policies and mechanisms in place that guide private sector activities in education. Post-conflict/fragile states may have different concerns and constraints than emerging or middle-income countries, which may in turn have different issues than developed countries. However, the underpinning concern for all of these countries will be the desire to provide high quality education to the widest possible number of learners. This will be the point of departure used for the discussions. The discussions will not be centered on any particular level of education. Although some countries may have chosen to regulate certain aspects of private provision, the debate will encompass all levels from schools to technical/vocational enterprises and tertiary provision.
Resources
Background documentation from the colloquium can be found on IFC’s Health and Education website. Specifically you will find:
- A discussion paper prepared for the May Colloquium which sets out eight propositions for a regulatory framework;
- A series of interviews with providers, regulators, and commentators speaking on regulatory issues;
- A number of informal country papers prepared by colloquium participants;
- Numerous references compiled on regulatory issues. Please send references or resources to IFConlinediscussion2008@ifc.org if you wish to recommend other websites, reports, or documents.
These resources can be accessed at the IFC website by clicking on the
Online Discussion tab on the top right under Events:
http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/che.nsf/Content/Education_Regulating_Private_Education. 
