On Wednesday, June 14th, an insightful webinar of PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) 2021 & Beyond took place, delving into key international findings and highlighting the Asia-Pacific region. This webinar provided a comprehensive understanding of the global standard for monitoring reading achievement at the fourth grade, offering valuable insights from the first published international assessment conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the points of the webinar was the transition to digital assessment, with approximately half of the participating countries adopting state-of-the-art technology to assess students. By utilizing engaging and interactive reading assessment materials, including simulated online projects with multiple websites, videos, and navigational features, the assessment aimed to adapt to the digital era while ensuring accurate evaluation of student performance.
The assessment, known as PIRLS 2021, collected a wealth of data not only from students but also from school principals, parents, and teachers. This extensive information allowed for a comprehensive analysis of literacy education, providing valuable insights into the current state of literacy and serving as a fundamental resource for educators, policymakers, and researchers worldwide.
The webinar was expertly presented by Dr. Dirk Hastedt, the Executive Director of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). Dr. Hastedt, a renowned expert in large-scale educational assessment, presented the findings and highlights, offering his wealth of knowledge and insights to the participants. His expertise and experience in the field ensured that attendees gained valuable insights into educational recovery and strategies for improving education systems.
Watch the Webinar Recording and Download the Presentation:
For those who missed the live session or wish to revisit the valuable content, the webinar recording is available directly on the UNESCO youtube channel. You can access the recording here.
Additionally, the PowerPoint presentation used in the webinar can be downloaded for reference and further exploration. To download the presentation file, please click here.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain important insights into educational achievement and the future of literacy education. Watch the webinar recording and download the presentation to enhance your understanding and contribute to educational improvement.
Here’s a link to additional resources about PIRLS 2026, which may be of interest to any countries seeking further information:
https://www.iea.nl/studies/iea/pirls/2026
Note: The webinar presentation is provided by International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), ensuring accessibility for educators, policymakers, and researchers worldwide.
