Discussion Paper on Learning Assessment

This discussion paper is aimed at EU staff working in country Delegations. Its purpose is to provide background information on learning assessments, which are central to improving teaching and learning in schools. In the global discussion on post-2015 education goals, improving the learning outcomes of the world’s children and youth is considered a high priority, alongside the need for equitable access to good quality education. An essential part of improving learning is to be able to measure it, otherwise how do you know if has improved? There is a critical need for better learning metrics and assessments to measure what learners know. This Briefing Paper provides a brief overview of the key learning assessment issues. It highlights concerns about the development and use of learning assessments at the national level. The annexes provide an overview of the major regional and international learning assessments being conducted mostly at the primary and secondary school levels. While this Briefing Paper does not purport to be a comprehensive guide to learning assessments, it provides an introduction with sufficient breadth and depth to allow non-education specialists to participate in policy discussions on student learning assessments.