The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) is an international assessment conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). It measures the reading comprehension of students in Grade 4. First administered in 2001, PIRLS occurs every five years, allowing countries to monitor educational progress over time.
In Canada, PIRLS is coordinated by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC). The next administration of PIRLS will be in the spring of 2026.
PIRLS assesses reading literacy. Reading literacy is measured using a framework that focuses on two overarching purposes for reading: for literary experience and to acquire and use information.
The purposes of the assessment are as follows:
- to assess the reading skills of nine-year-olds (Grade 4 students);
- to determine the contexts that influence reading development;
- to understand how young children learn to read;
- to improve teaching and learning methods in reading for all children; and
- to assess and understand differences among education systems in order to improve teaching and learning methods in reading throughout the world.
- the process of comprehension;
- the purposes of reading; and
- behaviours and attitudes toward reading.
PIRLS provides education policy-makers, administrators, teachers, and researchers with valuable insight into how grade 4 students are performing in reading. In Newfoundland and Labrador, PIRLS data is used alongside other sources to inform program development and allocate resources effectively.
In PIRLS 2021, Newfoundland & Labrador's average score was 523.
The assessment takes approximately 80 minutes (two 40-minute parts). Students then complete a background questionnaire, which takes about 30 minutes. In total, PIRLS takes about 1.5 to 2 hours of a student's time. Parents/guardians, teachers, and school administrators also complete questionnaires to provide context on the learning environment.
PIRLS results offer valuable context on how curriculum, instruction, and home/school environments support learning.