How to Assess Global Education Quality: The Global Education Quality Index and Its Cross-National Comparisons

Purpose: This study introduces the Global Education Quality Index (GEQI) to evaluate education quality and development worldwide. We compare strengths and weaknesses across representative countries/regions. Our analysis offers a global snapshot of education quality and provides insights for educational improvement. Design/Approach/Methods: This study pools data from 61 countries/regions from 2009 and 2018, utilizing an “Educational Input-Process-Outcome” framework to construct the GEQI. Comparison of regional education quality is conducted based on GEQI scores. Findings: Overall, the GEQI encompasses three components. First, Quality of Basic Education Assurance assesses basic education accessibility and government investment in educational infrastructure. Second, Quality of School Education Operation evaluates resource allocation and students' academic performance. Third, Quality of Postsecondary Education Development measures educational attainment and development at an advanced and professional level. Furthermore, descriptive analysis indicates that European Union countries consistently dominate the top positions across multiple GEQI sub-indices, while other countries or regions exhibit distinct patterns in specific quality dimensions. These variations may be attributed to differences in cultural contexts, social policy practices, and regional educational reforms. Originality/Value: This study introduces a robust quantitative tool for global education quality assessment. The GEQI maps the global education landscape and offers actionable insights into systemic educational improvements.