The second MDG, which states that by 2015, ‘children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling’ is one of the few global goals that has been consistently and deeply supported. This study assesses whether this goal can in fact be achieved by 2015. It focuses on the largest low income countries that are furthest from the goal and home to about 75 percent of the children out of school globally. Further the study identifies a new policy and financing framework for faster global progress in primary education. It provides practical tools and guidance on the policies and strategies that can help low-income countries improve education system performance and on the corresponding actions by international donors that can improve the effectiveness of their support. This book will be of great interest to education policymakers, researchers, and others interested in international development.