Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS)

Project

The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) is an international comparative study of the reading literacy of young students. PIRLS studies the reading achievement and reading behaviors and attitudes of fourth-grade students in the United States and students in the equivalent of fourth grade in other participating countries.

The study began in 2001 and is administered every five years. To provide comparative perspectives on trends in achievement in the context of different education systems, school organizational approaches, and instructional approaches, PIRLS also collects background information from the teachers and school administrators.

AIR’s experts provide technical and analytical support for U.S. participation in PIRLS, including consultation and management support; technical review of statistical reports, data files, and data documentation; expert analysis; technical support for the development of web-based data tools and other products; and training outside researchers to use PIRLS data files and other survey resources.

See Also

Related Work

Infographic: Reading
15 Mar 2016
Infographic

Is Reading Contagious? An International Snapshot

What are children’s attitudes and behaviors toward reading around the world? Do they mimic their parents’? Is there a difference between how much girls read and enjoy reading and how much boys do? These infographics answer those questions and more using the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2011 survey data of fourth-grade students from 50 education systems around the world.
5 Jan 2016
Brief

Is Reading Contagious? Examining Parents’ and Children’s Reading Attitudes and Behaviors

When children have positive reading attitudes and behaviors, they generally also demonstrate strong reading skills. Drawing on data from the 2011 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, this brief and related webinar recording examine whether parents’ reading attitudes and behaviors are shared by their children.
25 Oct 2010
Report

International Benchmarking: State Education Performance Standards

International Benchmarking: State Education Performance Standards provides policymakers international benchmarks against which they can compare and monitor the educational performance of students.

25 Oct 2010
Report

International Benchmarking: State Education Performance Standards

International Benchmarking: State Education Performance Standards provides policymakers international benchmarks against which they can compare and monitor the educational performance of students.

View all