International Research of Students Achievements

Core activity for the IRSA is a longitudinal cross-country research. The planning for the project is done through joint work of group of experts from participating countries under supervision of international consultants. National teams participate in the field work collecting data using modern methodology for assessment. It is necessary to introduce new effective instruments to measure learning outcomes for low-income countries to keep them on track with SDG agenda while not all of them can participate in international monitoring such as PISA, etc. Key activities encompass three domains: training and “learning by doing”, research conducting and results dissemination. Training and “learning by doing” activities aim at developing educators’ capacity including youth and specialists without experience. Main approach is a “learning by doing” when national teams take part in localization of an assessment tool and studying tool methodologies, data analysis and project results dissemination. Specialists also encouraged to publish papers on the research results and present them at different international events. Project includes regulas seminars with educational authorities (including policymakers) on improvement of education through use of reliable data. Regular assessment, rather than single-slice sampling, will make it possible to track trends in the level of achievements and quality of education over time. Financial resources for the project provided by the READ Program. Participating countries represented by organizations dedicate resources such office premises and equipment, paid working time and other resources necessary for conducting research and organizing educational events.