Use and Impact of PIRLS

International comparative studies play a key role in the modernization of Kazakhstan’s education system. Kazakhstan’s participation in TIMSS, PIRLS, the International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS), the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), and the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) is defined in the State Programme for Education Development and is funded by the national budget. The significance of the country’s participation in these studies is invaluable. It not only allows the country to obtain objective data but gives a realistic assessment of the achievements and problems of education in the country.

This is the first time Kazakhstan has participated in PIRLS. Participation in PIRLS 2016 will allow Kazakhstan to obtain an independent, objective assessment of the level of primary school students’ reading skills formation. The strengths and weaknesses of educational programs will be analyzed, and new methods and technologies for formation of reading competence of students in the leading countries will be explored.