Evaluating educational impact for social inclusion and competence development: longitudinal data, evidence based policy, and pedagogical science in the spirit of Raimond Buyse

This paper explores the crucial role of impact evaluation in education, emphasizing the importance of longitudinal data analysis and evidence based policymaking for fostering social mobility, reducing educational inequalities, and enhancing competencies. Inspired by the legacy of Raimond Buyse, the paper argues for a scientific approach to pedagogy that embraces empirical experimental methods while respecting the ethical and axiological dimensions of education. It highlights how impact evaluation can contribute to a pedagogy that is not only theoretically informed but also grounded in robust empirical evidence, capable of addressing the complex educational challenges of contemporary societies.