ABSTRACT
There is a clear need for improving basic public education in Latin America. Improved public education increases both national and family income, which affects the next generation's potential for economic and political well-being. Families with high incomes have well-nourished children who can stay in school, increasing their chances of earning higher wages and educating their children in tum. In a virtuous circle, education increases productivity in the work place, leading to higher incomes. Other impacts of education are that as governments in Latin America become more democratic, widespread education among the people is essential for expanding and maintaining those institutions. In addition, it plays an important role in maintaining the cultural and social structure, as well as being a potential force for change in the society, especially with regard to income and wealth distribution. Increasing the quality of basic education, especially for the poor, is the most important investment that can be made toward expanding economic development and allowing countries to compete in a global environment. Improvements in education require both an increase in resources allotted to education and a more efficient use of those resources. This last chapter summarizes some of the policies, detailed in the above chapters, that are currently being applied to improve educational quality with apparent success.
