Introduction

In sub-Saharan Africa, the “middle tier” has been largely overlooked in both research and education interventions. The middle tier refers to subnational actors responsible for education delivery at various levels within the system. While research in OECD countries has highlighted the middle tier’s important role in planning, monitoring, and implementing reforms, enhancing education outcomes, and supporting teaching and learning improvements there has been limited attention given to these actors in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Science of Teaching is examining this overlooked, yet critical actor within education service delivery. Through two research studies, Science of Teaching is investigating the specific capacities, behaviors, and processes demonstrated by an effective middle tier to build knowledge about how those aspects of middle tier functioning came to be and how they can be replicated in other parts of a particular education system.