NCEE Announces Global "Rapid Risers" in Education, Highlighting Systems with Significant Improvement.

The National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE) has named Georgia, Macao, Oman, Peru, and Qatar as its 2026 Global Rapid Risers. These education systems have demonstrated rapid and sustained improvement in student learning over the past decade, including through the global pandemic, by implementing thoughtful and intentional system changes.

Context

The National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE) evaluates global education systems based on their performance and improvements over time. The selected regions—Georgia, Macao, Oman, Peru, and Qatar—have shown notable advancements in education despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Their success is attributed to intentional changes in educational policies and practices.

Why it matters

The recognition of Global Rapid Risers in education underscores the potential for significant improvement in student learning outcomes. Highlighting these systems can inspire other regions to adopt similar strategies for educational reform. This acknowledgment may also attract international attention and resources to these improving education systems.

Implications

The recognition of these Global Rapid Risers may lead to increased investment in education from both domestic and international sources. Educational stakeholders in other regions might adopt similar practices to improve their own systems. Furthermore, the success of these countries could influence global education policy discussions and priorities.

What to watch

Observers should monitor the ongoing developments in these education systems as they implement further reforms. Future assessments by NCEE may reveal additional insights into the effectiveness of their strategies. Additionally, the response from other countries looking to emulate these successes will be important to watch.