RIYADH -- The Ministry of Education is preparing to apply Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) during the current school year with the aim of developing study plans according to scientific standards and international criteria.

The project also aims at improving the results of Saudi students in international tests, assessing the level of students and comparing results among participating countries. This is to support policies, projects and programs that contribute to improving the level of Saudi Arabia’s results in international indicators and realizing Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

The ministry is scheduled to apply PIRLS on fifth graders during November 8-17, 2021 with the aim of assessing reading comprehension levels of the students and comparing the results with the international performance level among participating countries in the tests that are held under the supervision of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA).

The Kingdom is participating for the test for the third year after 2011 and 2016 when it was applied on fourth graders. This year the study will applied on fifth graders due to the COVID-19 pandemic with full commitment to all relrvant precautionary measures while conducting the test in schools. -- SPA