Basic Education is Vital for City Thriving

The provision of basic education represents an opportunity in a city to establish knowledge-based institutional patterns that support a host of other essentials. Learning and training is a means by which cities can create a depth of talent needed for their own function and for competitive advantage nationally and globally. Success in this requires robust theoretical, pedagogical models and increased levels of attainment for students and depends on access to education for all children. 

In particular, the Basic Education consideration takes into account the availability of formal education in a city among the school-aged population. This includes measures of quality such as access to educational institutions at a fundamental level (primary, secondary, etc.), length of time in education, and level of education attained.

Healthcare, engineering, construction, services, business and so many other aspects of contemporary life in cities depend on some form of learning and education. Primary education plays a very important role in these accumulating dynamics and is itself affected by the reciprocal functions of these other human activities. Persistent educational organizations and institutions, funded and supported by taxation, political will, and cultural habits, are the scaffolding that enables individual students and their families to take full advantage of the opportunities in their communities. Teacher-to-student ratios, effective curriculum, and clear pathways from schooling to employment are important markers that city builders do well to support.

Advanced research and study require people who can undertake the technical, managerial and social dynamics of development successfully. Knowledge-driven economic development rises or falls with available talent pools and in many cases, available means local. Monitoring basic education is an important facet of this flow of human capability and where it is very low or weak, the long term results will be reflected in an absence of leading technologies and businesses.

Conversely, where opportunities are abundant, individuals and families will seek out ways to be part of growth and success as parents envision a brighter future for their children. Many families who relocate spend significant time reviewing local education opportunities, particularly for younger children who cannot travel to colleges or universities in other parts of the city or country. Rio de Janeiro has realized educational gains in a range of its cities through focused effort, political will and investment in areas with greater socio-economic needs (Educational Development Trust, 2015 – link: https://www.educationdevelopmenttrust.com/EducationDevelopmentTrust/files/06/06bfe622-3c74-4db8-a6ae-e2a06cc9e005.pdf. 

Many supporting factors have to work well for basic education to thrive but when it does, the cumulative effects on a neighbourhood, community and city are tangible and highly beneficial. Measuring the changes in basic education enables city leaders to gauge whether they are gaining or losing ground in this important function.