In 2000, over 160 countries committed to vastly expand educational opportunities for children, youth, and adults by 2015. The sixth edition of this global report marks the midterm point and provides a rich evidence-based assessment of progress towards expanding early childhood learning programmes, reaching universal primary education, achieving gender equality at all levels of education, dramatically reducing adult illiteracy, and improving educational quality. With over 70 million children out of primary school, poor learning achievement in many countries, and 1 in 5 adults without basic literacy skills, the report stresses the dire need for innovative policies that tackle the root causes of exclusion, promote equity, and improve teaching and learning conditions. It also calls upon donors to step up aid to education --still a fraction of total official development assistance-- in line with the promises they made at the turn of the century.Based on specialized commissions, extensive consultations and multiple research sources, the report provides an authoritative, comparative reference for policymakers, development specialists, economists, education researchers, and advocates worldwide.