Achieving Global Minimum Proficiency in Reading and Mathematics: Improving Coverage for Sustainable Development Goal 4.1.1 (a) and (b)
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1 measures the proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2 and 3 and (b) at the end of primary school, achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in reading and mathematics. Globally, this important indicator receives substantial funding and attention from international agencies and countries. However, measuring learning achievement in lower and upper primary grades remains challenging due to technical and financial constraints, especially as the learning achievements are compared across countries worldwide.
This project is contributing to improved measurement and reporting practices for SDG 4.1.1 (a) and (b). Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, AIR is supporting governments to develop or modify learning assessments that are comparable, aggregable, and track student learning outcomes.
AIR is providing direct technical assistance in select “champion countries”—where the various improved practices required for SDG reporting will be pilot tested—to serve as exemplary models for SDG 4.1.1 reporting. In addition, AIR is managing a Country Support Fund that provides the opportunity for additional countries to request financial assistance for technical support services and/or in-country costs related to SDG 4.1.1(a) and (b) reporting.
