Use and Impact of PIRLS

Findings from PIRLS provide valuable benchmarking and trend information about the Singapore English curriculum and students’ attainment of reading literacy proficiencies. National level findings were shared with policymakers and key stakeholders at various platforms and these findings have helped to identify specific strengths and gaps in various domains of learning for different groups of students and the possible factors that contribute to variations in student performance. PIRLS data on changes in students’ reading habits and attitudes also facilitated a better understanding of the impact of reading and library programs on reading behavior. Information on student performance also was used to guide the development of teacher training materials and other resources to enhance students’ metacognition and self‑monitoring skills.

The convergence of the PIRLS and TIMSS cycles in 2011 had enabled new analyses that explored the relationship between reading performance and achievement in mathematics and science. For example, the associations between home language and students’ reading, mathematics, and science proficiencies were investigated.