Quality standard: Like other pupil-flow rates (promotion and repetition rates), the dropout rate is derived by analyzing data on enrolment and repeaters by grade for two consecutive years. One should therefore ensure that such data are consistent in terms of coverage over time and across grades. Special attention should also be paid to minimizing some common errors which may bias these flow-rates, such as: Over-reporting enrolment/repeaters (particularly in grade one); incorrect distinction between new entrants and repeaters; transfers of pupils between grades and schools.
Limitations: The level and maximum number of grade repetitions allowed can in some cases be determined by the educational authorities with the aim of coping with limited grade capacity and increasing the internal efficiency and flow of students. Care should be taken in interpreting this indicator, especially when comparing education systems.
Gross enrolment ratio in early childhood care and education
Definition: Total number of children enrolled in early childhood care and education programs, regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of the population in the relevant official age group.
Purpose: To measure the general level of participation of young children in ECCE programs. It also indicates a country's capacity to prepare young children for primary education.
Calculation method: Divide the total number of children enrolled in ECCE programs, regardless of age, by the population in the relevant official age group in a given school year, and multiply by 100.
Data required: Total enrolment in ECCE programs; population in the relevant official age group.
Data source: School register, school survey or census for data on enrolment; population censuses or estimates for school-age population normally obtained from the central statistical office.
Types of disaggregation: By gender and geographical location (region, urban/rural).
Interpretation: A ratio indicates adequate capacity for this type of program within the country. A ratio approaching or surpassing 100% indicates that the country is, in principle, able to accommodate all children in the ECCE age group.