Use and Impact of PIRLS
In addition to PIRLS 2016, Latvia has participated in PIRLS 2001 and PIRLS 2006. Following each PIRLS cycle, national reports have been published based on the results. Publications citing the results dating back to 2006 are available on the home pages of the Institute of Educational Research and the University of Latvia Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art.
PIRLS results also are used for scientific work. For example, several dissertations and theses have been based on analysis of PIRLS data, and additional works are in progress. Results of these studies and other publications often are used by journalists who write about education. Analyses of PIRLS results have been presented in national and international conferences, seminars, and other events for teachers.
It is not easy to determine how much results of large scale international assessments influence decisions about education in Latvia, in part because no explicit mention is made of them doing so, even if that is the case.27 Nevertheless, PIRLS is well known among Latviaʼs education officials.