We are very pleased to announce that learning outcomes data from LaNA (Literacy and Numeracy Assessment) have been added to the UIS (UNESCO Institute for Statistics) database to report on SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) Indicator 4.1.1b. UIS is the official statistical agency of UNESCO and the custodian agency for SDG 4 on Education. The inclusion of LaNA data expands the availability of learning outcomes data in support of SDG 4—Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education—and recognizes LaNA as an official source for Indicator 4.1.1b.
SDG Indicator 4.1.1b is a measure of the proportion of children at the end of primary school achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in reading and mathematics. LaNA data for Egypt, Nigeria, Palestine, and Pakistan, from a special administration of LaNA in 2023, can now be found in the UIS Data Browser.
The LaNA mathematics and reading comprehension assessments are grounded in and psychometrically linked to the TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) mathematics and PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) reading assessments. TIMSS and PIRLS are well-established essential measures used for countries’ reporting on SDG 4.1.1b, with the TIMSS Intermediate International Benchmark and the PIRLS Low International Benchmark used for reporting the percentages of students reaching minimum proficiency in mathematics and reading.
LaNA provides estimates of the percentages of students reaching the TIMSS and PIRLS International Benchmarks (Low, Intermediate, High, and Advanced), as well as new Basic Benchmarks that reflect emerging mathematics and reading comprehension skills. LaNA has a targeted assessment design to accurately measure foundational learning, allowing education systems to gain deeper insights into their students who are in the process of developing these emerging skills, as well as those who are reaching higher levels of proficiency.
LaNA is a high-impact, low-cost assessment for monitoring and improving learning in low- and middle-income countries. LaNA is designed to be flexible and operationally feasible and provides an opportunity for countries to build transferable skills and institutional experience through targeted capacity building.
We look forward to more countries taking advantage of LaNA’s unique features to support their reporting on SDG 4.1.1b., and to obtain high-quality data that can inform system-wide improvements and improve student learning.
Find more information about LaNA here.