6. Monitoring and evaluation
Monitoring processes allow for the systematic gathering and examination of data regarding strengths and weaknesses in plan implementation, while evaluation processes allow for in-depth analyses of the extent to which desired outcomes and, where relevant, the long-term impact of the plan have been attained. As such, effective monitoring and evaluation( M & E) of the education sector plan is necessary for the MoE and other key stakeholders to be able to accurately measure progress toward policy goals and, where necessary, inform corrective action to improve plan efficacy. Strong M & E systems have three key components:( i) a functional management structure for M & E;( ii) a clear monitoring procedure and data review process; and( iii) a logical indicator system, inclusive of key performance indicators( IIEP-UNESCO, 2010). The specifics of each component are presented below.
6.1. M & E management structure
Monitoring and evaluating plan implementation will take place at both the technical and policy levels, utilizing three planning and management entities( see Figure 11).
Figure 11: ESP M & E Management Structure
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Minister of Education
Policy
Senior Leadership Team
Technical
ESP Monitoring & Evaluation Committee( EMEC)
Core Planning Team
Department Department Department
Senior Leadership Committee: At the policy level, this existing management entity will be responsible for advising the Minister on policy decisions regarding plan implementation and acting on Ministry policy decisions. The Committee comprises the Permanent Secretary, Heads of MoE Divisions, and MoE Personnel and Finance Officers. This committee, which meets at least once a month, is chaired by the Minister or Permanent Secretary.
ESP Monitoring and Evaluation Committee( EMEC): At the uppermost technical level, this committee will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating overall plan implementation in a coordinated and comprehensive way. Given the small state context within which the MoE operates, this committee will be responsible specifically for devising the MoE annual performance plan and reviewing progress on plan implementation on a quarterly basis. The committee will be constituted by persons filling the post with‘ lead responsibility’ in the Programme Implementation Matrices presented in Chapter 4. 36 The committee will be chaired by the Chief of Education Planning, or another designate of the Permanent Secretary. Significantly, because Heads of Divisions will comprise part of this committee, as indicated in Chapter 3, these persons will be responsible for cascading the MoE annual performance plan into annual operational plans for the departments in their respective Division, and in the case of the Chief Education Officer ensuring that School / Institutional Improvement Plans are in line with the operational plan for the Education Services Division. Critically, stakeholders identified for participation in the annual performance review( see below) will also be asked to contribute to the establishment of the annual performance plan.
36. The committee predominantly consists of officials within the MoE; however representatives from partner ministries and the private sector will be asked to contribute to the development of the annual performance plan, as well as participate in the annual review meeting.