In Colombia, the beginning of a new century has brought with it a palpable feeling of optimism. Colombians and visitors sense that the country's considerable potential can be realised, and education is rightly seen as crucial to this process. As opportunities expand, Colombians will need new and better skills to respond to new challenges and…

The voucher model of financing schooling is becoming increasingly common throughout Latin America, with at least 12 countries using vouchers or voucher-like schemes. The present study focuses on the voucher models of Colombia and Chile, which have the most extensive programs of this type and those of the longest standing in the region. Using…

Development of higher education in Colombia is analyzed in the context of recent expansion, democratization, emphasis on quality, and efforts to differentiate programs and institutions. Critical policy areas emerging, overall funding and administration of the public sector, are examined; and possible future developments are discussed. (Author/MSE)