Abstract:
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assesses reading comprehension and
monitors trends and indicators of growth in reading literacy at five-year intervals. This project falls under
the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). The
PIRLS international scale has a range that is set from 0 to 1 000, with a centre point of 500, and a
standard deviation of 100. PIRLS 2021 marks the fourth cycle of South Africa’s participation in the study.
Studies like PIRLS allow participating countries to make international comparisons
across education systems and monitor trends and indicators of growth in the early
phases of children’s education. While attention will be drawn to the overall league
table standings that are released after every cycle to indicate country positions, the
value of large-scale international assessments is most valuable in analysing data and
trends against the IEA’s tripartite curricular framework. In this framework, the link
between the intended curriculum (as described by policy and curricular documents), the
implemented curriculum (that which is taught in schools) and the attained curriculum
(as seen by learner achievement) is essential for ensuring that assessment instruments
that are developed are fair, reliable, valid and accurate for cross-national use.
It is important to note that PIRLS 2021 is the first international large-scale assessment to report
achievement trends after successfully collecting data during the COVID-19 pandemic, assessing 400
000 students in 57 countries. PIRLS achievement trends in fourth grade reading show a negative impact
from the COVID-19 pandemic; home and school socioeconomic status persist as strong indicators of
achievement; most children attend schools with positive environments; and many learners and their
parents only “somewhat” like reading.
Among the 57 participating countries, Africa is underrepresented and South Africa is one of three countries
to participate with countries using developed education systems from the global north (Europe, North
America, Middle and Far East). In the Sub-Saharan region, South Africa is the only participating country.
