About Education Simulation Models (ESM)

Simulation models are increasingly being used to accompany the processes of strategic and operational education sector development planning. They help analyze the dynamics of education systems and ensure coherence in the development of the education sector. They are used to complement the diagnosis of education systems, to explore possible policy options aimed at overcoming past shortcomings, to assess the viability of an education development strategy and to propose alternatives and trade-offs that can help cope with dynamic and changing environments.

Education simulation models contribute to an informed policy-making, evidence-based policy dialogue and resource negotiation for education development. They should provide information on realistic resource packages required to achieve education sector policy, as well as identifying financing gaps that can be supported by non-state stakeholders.

Many education simulation models have been developed and applied in national education development planning, often with technical assistance from international agencies. These models may differ in their approaches, structure, presentation and scope depending on national planning needs and priorities, as well as on the focus and the purpose of the ‘advocating’ agencies.