We are pleased to announce the release of Dinaric Perspectives on PIRLS 2021—Prerequisites and Conditions for Teaching and Learning to Read, the latest volume in the IEA Research for Education series. The volume was officially launched in Belgrade, Serbia.
Building on the success of Dinaric Perspectives on TIMSS 2019, this volume offers a comprehensive examination of reading literacy in the Dinaric region, drawing on data from the IEA Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021. The book highlights the achievements, challenges, and contextual factors that shape reading outcomes across Albania, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia.
Key themes explored in the volume include:
- Curricula and preparedness: How well do literacy curricula prepare students to meet the reading challenges assessed in PIRLS?
- Texts and materials: Comparison between PIRLS texts and those in national textbooks.
- Teacher quality and well-being: The role of teacher qualifications and socio-economic disparities.
- Home environments: Parental engagement, early literacy activities, and equity in opportunity.
- COVID-19 and digital learning: The impact of the pandemic on teaching, learning, and assessment.
- Digital vs. paper assessments: Mode effects and implications for future digital literacy assessments.
This publication represents a collaborative effort among National Research Coordinators, IEA experts, regional scholars, and colleagues across Europe with extensive experience in analyzing IEA data.
Together, the Dinaric Perspectives volumes (on TIMSS 2019 and PIRLS 2021) provide valuable regional and international insights while supporting progress toward high-quality, equitable primary education in Southeastern Europe.
Dinaric Perspectives on PIRLS 2021 is available via Springer: