Adjusting educational policies

African governments and donor agencies have realized in recent years that development programs can only succeed if built upon sound policy and institutional foundations. Since the mid-1980's, several educational policy adjustment programs have been initiated in Sub-Saharan Africa. This report explores these early policy efforts, drawing on reports from government leaders and donor representatives in Ghana, Malawi, and Senegal. Three specific questions are addressed: (i) what types of policy and budget changes have been attempted? (ii) what lessons haven been learned regarding local school and community effects, stemming from central policy adjustments? and finally, (iii) how can policy programs better complement long term efforts to strengthen institutions? Papers in this volume were presented at a conference attended by government officials and donor agencies, co-sponsored by the World Bank and USAID. Highlights of the conference debate also are reported.