1. The Functions and Role of Modern Education Systems

Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction of the role played by governments in the development of public education systems in different countries, of when universal access was achieved, and a description of the shift from concentrating on constructing education systems (building schools and hiring teachers) to improving quality (student performance) and efficiency. While the interests of governments and most stakeholders are well-aligned during the first phase, major conflicts of interest emerge during the second phase. This is followed by a brief description of the current demands on education systems and the challenges they face. Finally, we describe the questions addressed in the book.