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SEA-PLM Strengthens Strategic Dialogues with Key Regional Partners
The Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) programme continues to solidify its position as a key player in driving educational improvements across Southeast Asia, following a series of strategic meetings with its key regional partners. Led by its Co-Chairs from the SEAMEO Secretariat and UNICEF EAPRO, the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat conducted a courtesy visit and held discussions with the ASEAN Secretariat’s Education, Youth, and Sports Division (EYSD), the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), the Republic of Korea (ROK) Mission to ASEAN, the Korea Educational Development Institute (KEDI), the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE) and These engagements focused on deepening collaboration and garnering support for the ongoing SEA-PLM 2024 cycle and future phases.
Advancing the SEA-PLM 2024 Cycle
In a meeting with the ASEAN Secretariat and the AKCF on 12 August 2024, discussions centered on ensuring the successful completion of the SEA-PLM 2024 cycle. The dialogue highlighted the critical role of SEA-PLM in addressing data gaps, particularly in tracking the region’s progress towards achieving the UN SDG 4 indicators. All parties underscored the importance of SEA–PLM in generating comparable data and insights that can inform educational policies and practices across the region. Additionally, the sustainability of the programme was discussed, with a focus on ensuring long-term success through capacity building and knowledge transfer.
Strengthening ties with the Republic of Korea
The SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat also paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Lee Jang-keun, Ambassador of the ROK to ASEAN, to express appreciation for the ongoing support provided by the ROK Mission to ASEAN. Ambassador Lee reaffirmed the Republic of Korea’s commitment to education as a priority sector and expressed its continued support for programmes like SEA-PLM that aim to improve education quality and equity in the region. The SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat mentioned that through the support of AKCF, SEA-PLM continues to attain global and regional recognition including its inclusion in the Joint Communique of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and its participation in high-level meetings of the United Nations on SDG 4.
Continued collaboration with the KEDI and KICE
The SEA-PLM delegation also visited Korean institutions such as the Korea Education Development Institute (KEDI) and the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE) on 9 - 12 July 2024. The technical meeting with these partners focused on the development of the new multi-annual SEA-PLM Strategic Note (2026-2031), including the next set of collaboration under the next phase of the SEA-PLM AKCF project. Both KICE and KEDI expressed their commitment to supporting these initiatives, reaffirming their role as an implementing partner in supporting participating countries through provisions of technical assistance and capacity building initiatives.
A Collective Commitment to Educational Progress
The meetings with ASEAN-EYSD, AKCF, the Korean Mission to ASEAN, and KEDI reaffirmed a collective commitment to sustaining and advancing the SEA-PLM programme. The discussions underscored the importance of continued collaboration and leveraging regional and Korean expertise to enhance countries’ capacity to use data-driven evidence in transforming basic education systems. This shared effort aims to improve educational outcomes across Southeast Asia, ensuring that all children have access to equitable, high-quality education.
As SEA-PLM prepares for its next phase, the programme’s partners are united in their mission to drive educational reforms that will contribute to the achievement of the UN SDG 2030 Education Goals in Southeast Asia. Through these strengthened partnerships, SEA-PLM is positioned to make a lasting impact on the region’s education landscape.
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For media inquiries and more information, please contact:
Rizky Ashar (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat
SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat participates in the 2024 Educational World Forum London in advancing foundational learning, emergence of AI, and addressing Climate Change.
The 2024 Education World Forum, held from May 19 to 23 at the Queen Elizabeth II Center in London, brought together key figures from the global education sector to discuss and shape the future of education. Among the participants were the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metric (SEA-PLM) Regional Secretariat program Co-Chair, Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim and Mr Alejandro S. Ibañez. Their participation underscored SEA-PLM's role in contributing to global discussions tackling important issues in education such as foundational learning, emergence of AI, and addressing Climate Change. The participation in the forum was made possible with the support from the UK Government through the UK International Development under the ASEAN-UK SAGE programme.
Datuk Dr Habibah participated as a member of the panel during the APAC breakfast meeting, along with Baroness Barran, Professor Sir Steve Smith, and Mr Craig Farmer (left to right).
The forum kicked off with the APAC breakfast meeting, hosted by Baroness Barran MBE, the UK Minister for the School and Student FInance. This gathering offered an opportunity for ministers and senior delegates to connect and discuss regional educational developments. Datuk Dr Habibah delivered a presentation on the SEA-PLM program, sharing insights from the SEA-PLM 2019 report and its implications for education policies and practices in Southeast Asia. Moreover, her presentation emphasized the program’s alignment with the Supporting the Advancement of Girls’ Education (SAGE) initiative, a collaboration aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for girls in the region, a program that received support from the UK government.
In a series of side meetings, the SEA-PLM team engaged with delegations from Cambodia and Lao PDR, focusing on the unique educational challenges and priorities of these countries. The meeting with Cambodia’s delegation, led by His Excellency Mr Oung Borat, Secretary of State and Head of the Cabinet of Deputy Prime Minister, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, highlighted the need to improve foundational skills in early grades to prepare students for SEA-PLM assessments. The discussion also highlighted the importance of elevating girls’ education and integrating AI and digital skills to bridge educational gaps.
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Side meetings of Datuk Dr Habibah and Mr Ibanez with the Cambodia (left), led by Mr His Excellency Mr Oung Borat, Secretary of State and Head of the Cabinet of Deputy Prime Minister of the MoEYS, and Lao PDR (right), headed by His Excellency Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong, Minister of the MoES. |
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Similarly the meeting with Lao PDR’s delegation, led by His Excellency Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports, revealed the struggles faced by primary schools, particularly those serving diverse ethnic groups. The focus on early childhood education, teacher training, and ensuring access to education for special needs students were key areas that the Ministry intends to tackle in order to advance education in the country. . These dialogues not only fostered mutual understanding but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations to enhance educational quality and equity.
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Side meeting and main forum at the Education World Forum 2024
The Education World Forum underscored the critical importance of foundational skills as building blocks for human development, emphasizing their relevance to global challenges like climate change and the rise of AI. The forum also highlighted the “Human” side of education, advocating for a return to its philosophical roots, values, and morality. This holistic approach resonates with the SEA-PLM team, reinforcing the commitment to promoting foundational learning and humanizing education in Southeast Asia and beyond.
SEA-PLM 2024 Main Survey rolls out in Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Viet Nam
Bangkok, 31 May 2024 - Following the success of the 2023 Field Trial, the SEA-PLM programme launched its 2024 Main Survey, with Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Vietnam leading the first batch of implementation.
More than 20,000 students and parents, along with over a thousand teachers from more than 500 randomly selected schools across these countries, are contributing to the comprehensive monitoring of student learning outcomes in basic education. SEA-PLM is supported by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund.
Utilizing regionally-developed instruments on reading, writing, and mathematics including global citizenship, alongside contextual questionnaires, the 2024 Main Survey collects relevant information on students’ proficiencies and captures factors affecting learning in basic education in the region. Leveraging on strong collaboration between the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, partners, and the Ministries of Education, the 2024 Main Survey upholds stringent adherence to the SEA-PLM technical standards, embracing best practices gleaned from international large-scale assessments.
School personnel including SEA-PLM nominated school coordinator and test administrator, representative from the central, provincial, and district offices of the ministries of education, IQMs from ASEAN Secretariat, Korean Education Development Institute (KEDI), Korea Institute for Curriculum Evaluation (KICE) and the SEA-PLM regional secretariat in Lao PDR, Philippines, and Vietnam.
During the administration of the 2024 Main Survey in the three countries, representatives from esteemed organizations such as the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, ASEAN Secretariat, Korean Education Development Institute (KEDI), and Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE) served as International Quality Monitors (IQM). Their presence was instrumental in maintaining rigorous standards and ensuring the high quality of data collection processes throughout the survey implementation..
The commencement of the SEA-PLM 2024 first batch of main surveys marks the initiation of a year-long data collection endeavor. As preparations unfold for the second batch, attention now turns to the remaining SEA-PLM participating countries, namely Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Timor Leste.
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For media inquiries and more information, please contact:
Rizky Ashar (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat
SEA-PLM Launches a New Policy Brief on Advancing Global Citizenship Education in Southeast Asia
Many Southeast Asian countries have made Global Citizenship Education (GCED) a national priority, incorporating it into policies and practices in basic education. This implies a deliberate and structured effort to make GCED a significant and integral component of the educational system. The integration, however, varies considerably in scale and approach. These are the major findings of the latest policy brief “Promoting Global Citizenship Education: Policies and Practices in Southeast Asia” produced by the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat
The report examines the implementation of GCED across various countries, assessing its integration into basic education. The findings offer valuable insights into national practices and strategies, highlighting GCED's role in enhancing equity and quality in education. This report serves as a guide for further exploring GCED's impact and potential in improving basic education in the region.
If you are a policymaker or educator in Southeast Asia looking to enhance your understanding of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) implementation, this policy brief offers invaluable insights and possibilities. Explore the details of the policy brief in the link below:
SEA-PLM spotlights equity issues at the SEAMEO Centres Policy Research Network (CPRN) Summit 2024
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam | Rizky Ashar. The SEA-PLM highlighted its ongoing effort to address equity and quality issues in basic education at the recently concluded Centres Policy Research Network Summit 2024 held in Brunei Darussalam on 23-25 April. This year's summit gathered education policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders from across Southeast Asia to discuss how to foster inclusivity in key sectors and prepare the region for a future-ready world.
The Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) programme shed light on the findings of the SEA-PLM 2019, focusing particularly on equity issues such as learning disparities between boys and girls, characteristics of low-performing readers, teacher workforce, and children’s well-being. Additionally, socioeconomic status exacerbates these disparities, with students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds performing better than those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Regarding teachers, the SEA-PLM report identifies numerous challenges, including the need for professional development, improved pedagogical practices, and enhanced instructional strategies. Furthermore, the SEA-PLM findings revealed an intrinsic relationship between creating safe school environments and the improvement of learning outcomes.
These insights stemmed from regional thematic studies aimed at promoting equitable and quality basic education in Southeast Asia. The SEA-PLM programme, as the region’s large scale student learning assessment and capacity building initiative, emphasized the importance of using robust data and evidence to inform educational policies and practices.
The SEAMEO Centres Policy Research Network (CPRN) Summit 2024 participants and speakers
Mr Alejandro Ibanez, SEA-PLM Project Manager, encouraged the participants to leverage SEA-PLM datasets, methodologies, and tools to advance research and policy initiatives in basic education. He underscored the importance of regional collaboration in tackling the learning crisis and challenges related to education quality and inequities within basic education across Southeast Asia. As the participating countries continue to collaborate through programmes such as SEA-PLM, the region gets closer in accelerating foundational learning through a a fair and inclusive education for every child.
Navigating the Future: SEA-PLM Strategic Planning Workshop to chart the vision for Southeast Asia’s basic education
Pattaya, Thailand | Rizky Ashar & Alejandro Ibanez. The SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, alongside the programme Co-chairs from the SEAMEO Secretariat, represented by its Director Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim, and UNICEF EAPRO’s Regional Education Advisor Ms Mitsue Uemura, gathered to craft the next strategic plan for the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) programme, underpinning its continuous growth and impact on learning outcomes and educational policies throughout Southeast Asia on April 29-30, 2024.
With funding support from the UK International Development through the ASEAN-UK SAGE programme, the workshop brought together key stakeholders to engage in comprehensive discussions, review past achievements, and set the way for future developments. The workshop underscored SEA-PLM’s unwavering commitment to enhancing educational quality and equity across the region.
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The SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat and its programme co-chairs from SEAMEO Secretariat and UNICEF discussed the strategy development and sustainability framework.
Facilitated by Mr Li Kai Chen, a seasoned consultant with prior experience at McKinsey, the two-day planning workshop in Pattaya was designed to review the current strategic plan while shaping a forward-looking agenda. Through comprehensive discussions, the workshop assessed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the current program, providing a robust foundation for future enhancements. Visioning sessions on strategy development and sustainability framework facilitated in-depth conversations among participants, leading to the review and development of the revitalised Theory of Change and sustainability framework to ensure alignment with regional educational commitments. Furthermore, the workshop prioritised the identification of key areas and the development of initial work plans for new program pillars.
The 2021 - 2025 plan laid a strong foundation, and it is an important step to make continuous adaptation and improvement. The new plan will build on past successes, address existing gaps, and ensure the SEA-PLM programme remains relevant and effective in the evolving educational landscape.
Looking ahead, the forthcoming strategic plan will build on the successes and lessons learned from the current and previous cycles. It will navigate challenges posed by post-COVID-19 context, while steadfastly accelerating the advancement of foundational learning in Southeast Asia. The insights from the workshop will inform the development of the strategic note, laying the foundation for the sustainability of the programme. With this direction, the outcomes of the workshop will entail enhancing the regional structures of the programme to better align with the long term vision in elevating basic education quality in Southeast Asia.
Accessing SEA-PLM 2024 Survey Technical Standards!
The Technical Standards serve as the guiding principles for survey activities within the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) assessment, 2024 cycle, aimed at generating a high-quality regional dataset. These standards establish a reference point for assessing the compliance of data quality and project implementation procedures by participating countries and technical organisations involved in SEA-PLM 2024, enabling effective monitoring.
The Technical Standards have been updated and approved by the SEA-PLM 2024 bodies drawing upon the SEA-PLM 2019 regional and national experiences, as well as the latest programme developments. The standards promote the need for consistency, precision and generalisability of the collected data, while also acknowledging the necessity of a certain level of variability inherent in a regional assessment of this nature.
SEA-PLM supports the entry of Timor Leste into the learning assessment arena
Dili, Timor Leste | Anieluz Pastolero: Timor Leste has firmed up its plans and preparations for the administration of the Main Survey after embarking on the critical in-country planning workshop facilitated by the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, in collaboration with Timor Leste's National Team. Timor Leste is part of the second batch of countries to conduct the Main Survey beginning in August 2024.
Members of the National Technical Team from the Ministry of Education participating during the workshop discussions.
Over the course of the four-day workshop, the National Team, in close collaboration with the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, strategised and planned for the successful execution of the Main Survey. Together, they identified standard national activities and necessary resources essential for the seamless implementation of the Main Survey. Throughout the workshop, intensive discussions centred on understanding SEA-PLM 2024 technical standards, aiming to refine and tailor these standards into Timor Leste's unique context. Likewise, emphasis was placed on the effective allocation and utilisation of resources, ensuring that each component of the Main survey operations was meticulously planned and executed.
The SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, National Team, and ACER during the culmination of the workshop sessions discussing the Field Trial psychometric results in reading.
In addition to the comprehensive planning sessions, discussions delving into Timor Leste's national psychometric report from the Field Trial were also conducted by the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat alongside its technical collaborator, the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). The session served as a capacity building opportunity for the National Team to unpack the results in reading and the implications of these results in terms of curriculum reform, teaching and learning enhancement, and classroom assessment strategy.
The event garnered positive feedback from the National team highlighted by Mr Abraão Ribeiro Mendonca, the SEA-PLM National Project Manager, who conveyed the teams’ commitment in leveraging the acquired insights and information from the workshop. They aim to enhance the planning and execution of the Main Survey and extend these strategies for the refinement of their national learning assessments.
Beyond the tactical planning, the workshop facilitated stimulating discussions and knowledge exchange sessions, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in developing and managing international large-scale assessments.
SEA-PLM advances 2024 Main Survey through strengthened collaboration with key partners in the region
Siem Reap, Cambodia | Anieluz Pastolero: The SEA-PLM programme kicked off 2024 with the convening of its 14th SEA-PLM Regional Steering Committee meeting, engaging countries and partners in achieving milestones outlined in the SEA-PLM 5-year Strategic Plan. As the programme is poised to begin its second round of assessment, 2024 Main Survey, the meeting focused on the final stages of preparation.
Throughout the meeting, the national technical teams from the seven participating countries, namely, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor Leste, and Vietnam, along with the SEA-PLM technical collaborators, cApStAn LQC and ACER, shared insights from their Field Trial experiences and provided updates on their Main Survey preparations.
Moreover, the meeting also served as a platform for presenting the main findings and policy directions from SEA-PLM regional studies contributed by the UNICEF Innocenti—Global Office of Research and Foresight and De La Salle University. The research presentations showcased the depth of insights gleaned from SEA-PLM 2019 data, enriching the understanding of various equity factors affecting student learning.
Beyond the Main Survey, several dialogues with key partners and technical collaborators were facilitated by the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, aimed at sustaining and enhancing existing partnerships as the programme enters a critical phase in the implementation of its second cycle.
The conclusion of the 14th Regional Steering Committee meeting saw the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat providing guidance and direction to participating countries regarding the schedule of activities for the upcoming year, emphasising commitments to the work plan designed to promptly deliver the results of the SEA-PLM 2024 assessment.
Notably, the steering committee meeting welcomed the esteemed presence of His Excellency Lee Jang-keun, Korean Ambassador to ASEAN, who reaffirmed the Mission’s continued support for SEA-PLM’s vital work in monitoring and enhancing the quality of learning across the region. His Excellency also lauded the strong partnership between the programme and Korean educational institutions, KEDI and KICE, which plays a crucial role in bolstering the region’s capacity to leverage evidence in improving basic education in Southeast Asia.
In addition, the meeting was honoured by the attendance of His Excellency Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport of Cambodia, who emphasised the significance of the SEA-PLM 2024 Main Survey. He shared insights into Cambodia’s policy reforms and efforts within the Ministry, guided by the SEA-PLM 2019 data and findings. These reforms encompassed enhancements in teacher training, curriculum development, textbook revision, expansion of pre-school facilities, and fostering parental involvement in schools.
The SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat with its co-chairs, SEAMEO Secretariat and UNICEF EAPRO, and funding partners, the ASEAN Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund and the ASEAN Secretariat
The 14th Regional Steering Committee Meeting also provided an opportunity for programme co-chairs, SEAMEO Secretariat and UNICEF EAPRO, to convene with the ASEAN Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) and the ASEAN Secretariat for the 4th SEA-PLM Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting.
In this PSC meeting, the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat presented an overview of the progress made in fulfilling the SEA-PLM project workplan within the broader SEA-PLM programme regional workplan. As the culmination of the initial phase of the AKCF project draws near, deliberations centred on strategic planning and measures to seamlessly conclude the second cycle and transition to the third cycle, including the 3rd round of assessment, SEA-PLM 2028.
With the guidance of AKCF and ASEAN Secretariat, the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat has indicated its readiness to manage forthcoming processes and protocols to ensure the continued commitment of SEA-PLM in monitoring and improving student learning outcomes in the region.
Among the distinguished participants of the regional steering committee meeting were representatives from the SEA-PLM Core Member countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor Leste, and Vietnam. Additionally, Honorary Member countries of Brunei Darussalam and Thailand were in attendance, alongside delegates from the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund, ACER, cApStAn LQC, British Council, Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, Korean Educational Development Institute, UNICEF, and UNESCO. The events took place from 21st to 22nd February 2024 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
SEA-PLM keeps momentum for the 2024 Main Survey
Seoul, Republic fo Korea | Apiradee Treerutkuarkul: The Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) Regional Secretariat has advanced the preparation for the Main Survey in 2024 by hosting the 3rd SEA-PLM Regional Technical Workshop from 11 to 15 December 2023, in collaboration with the Korea Institute for
Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE).
This collaborative effort engaged participating countries and partners in active discussions surrounding the psychometric results of cognitive and contextual instruments. National experiences gleaned from the Field Trial operations showcased best practices and lessons learned that can help inform the Main survey operations. Guided by the SEA-PLM technical standards, countries deliberated and agreed on the final selection of test items, instruments, procedures for the upcoming assessment scheduled for next year.
Crucial to this regional event was the annual gathering of national technical teams, essential for aligning and synchronising national and regional calendars and expectations. The alignment aimed to ensure a seamless and timely execution of programme activities both at the regional and national levels.
Present during the event were the national teams of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Timor Leste, and Viet Nam, co-chairs of the SEA-PLM programme—SEAMEO Secretariat and UNICEF EAPRO, key partners from AKCF and ASEAN Secretariat, technical experts from ACER and cApStAn LQC, among other collaborators of the programme.
Dr. Jimin Cho, Vice-President of KICE, acknowledged the significant milestones achieved in preparing for the 2024 assessment. Dr. Cho also articulated a vision of transforming the program into a sustainable and robust mechanism for monitoring student learning outcomes in the region.
The SEA-PLM Co-chairs, led by Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat, and Ms. Mitsue Uemura, Regional Education Advisor of UNICEF EAPRO, commended the diligent efforts of participating countries and the guidance provided by technical partners. They emphasized the foundational work undertaken to facilitate the successful execution of the Main Survey the following year. Furthermore, they urged all workshop participants to not only focus on assessment plans but also to recommit to the core objective of the programme – collectively enhancing the quality and equity of education across the region.
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Empowering CLM Countries: Enhancing Basic Education through SEA-PLM Capacity Building
The Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE) is at the forefront, providing invaluable technical assistance to the SEA-PLM participating countries, namely Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar (CLM), as a contribution to the pillars of the SEA-PLM programme.
The core mission of the partnership between the SEAMEO Secretariat, through the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, and KICE supports the fulfilment of one of SEA-PLM’s guiding pillars, empowering CLM countries in analysing assessment data and developing capacities to improve national education policies and practices through the co-implementation of contextualised capacity-building workshops.
Delegates from Myanmar (left) and Cambodia (right) participated in hands-on activities on item development aligned with Math-based curriculum during the first day of the workshop
As part of the capacity-building component of the SEA-PLM programme, KICE meticulously crafted a comprehensive face-to-face training programme for the CLM countries, taking place on 9-10 November 2023 in Seoul, South Korea. This two-day workshop will build upon the foundations laid in the online workshops, enhancing competencies in utilising evidence derived from the SEA-PLM learning assessments.
A series of online capacity-building workshops have been conducted, focusing on developing essential skills in analysing large scale assessment data and utilising evidence to elevate education policy and delivery. In the first online workshop held from 25 November to 05 December 2022, 54 CLM delegates engaged in discussions about curriculum alignment and were introduced to test development for school and classroom-based assessments. The second online workshop, held from 12 to 29 June 2023 and attended by 82 CLM delegates, provided in-depth and sustained training on assessment theories and data analysis. This was achieved through the analysis of SEA-PLM 2019 data and further aggregation at the country-level.
Dr Jimin Cho, Vice President of Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE)
In her opening address, Dr Jimin Cho, Vice-President of KICE, highlighted the Korean education experience, emphasising the pivotal role of assessment in shaping curricula and enhancing teaching and learning as crucial components for educational improvement.
Tailored for educational experts and practitioners within the Ministries of Education from each CLM country, the training programme focused on key topics tailored to their unique education contexts.
Delegates from Cambodia (left), Lao PDR (middle), and Myanmar (right) presented workshop outputs in reading and writing on the second day of the workshop
The training programme, designed by KICE in collaboration with the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, is part of the SEA-PLM programme’s main objective, which is to leverage the use of evidence in improving technical capacity of participating countries on assessment in order to monitor learning outcomes and enhance the quality of basic education in their respective countries.
Delegates from Cambodia (right) and Myanmar (left) doing hands-on activities on data analysis on the second day of the workshop
Timor-Leste takes a leap in education with the SEA-PLM programme
In a pivotal move, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of Timor-Leste is participating in the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) programme, the first regional large-scale assessment in the region. Timor-Leste is the most recent addition to countries participating in the SEA-PLM 2024, which is the programme's second round of assessment. Other countries engaged in the program include Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Viet Nam.
The commitment of Timor-Leste to SEA-PLM 2024 promises transformative change in the country as it embarks into its first participation in an international large-scale assessment focusing on foundational learning. The wealth of data and information that comes from the regional evidence strengthens Timor-Leste’s position in utilising data in order to guide and shape educational policy and practice in the country.
In the speech of Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport, Her Excellency Ms Dulce De Jesus Soares, during the Field Trial training for Test Administrators and School Coordinators held on 27-28 September 2023 at City 8, Dili, attended by more than 50 field operators and school heads, the programme’s inaugural event in the country, she underscored the importance of the training in ensuring the quality and seamless data collection and test administration. Minister Soares highlighted the broader motivation behind the activity: to systematically collect data that can inform and enhance the primary education to improve student learning outcomes.
As the Field Trial activities conclude across all 7 SEA-PLM participating countries, the programme is on the cusp of its highly anticipated Main Survey in 2024. All National Teams, including Timor-Leste’s national team, in collaboration with the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat and key partners are gearing up for the 3rd SEA-PLM Regional Technical Workshop scheduled for December 11 to 15, 2023. This crucial event will revolve around technical discussions and agreements on procedures to strengthen assessment tools and instruments to be employed in the forthcoming SEA-PLM assessment.
Timor-Leste’s participation in the SEA-PLM programme signifies a profound commitment to advancing education, not only within the country but also on a regional scale. As the Main Survey 2024 nears, Timor-Leste's prospects for meaningful change in education are brighter than ever as it leverages on learning evidence to support student learning in Timor-Leste and the rest of Southeast Asia.
The participants of the training of Test Administrators and School Coordinators in Timor-Leste
Over 3000 students from 3 Southeast Asian countries participated in the SEA-PLM Field Trial
Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Viet Nam | Anieluz Pastolero: Over 3000 students from 79 sample schools in Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Viet Nam recently took part in the SEA-PLM Field Trial assessment focusing on reading and mathematics domains. This collaborative initiative not only involved students but also actively engaged parents, who provided their insights through the completion of contextual parent questionnaires. By adopting this comprehensive approach, the SEA-PLM Field trial successfully collected data, marking a significant milestone for SEA-PLM 2024.
The smooth execution of testing operations was made possible by the efforts of nominated teachers and school principals from selected schools. Taking on the roles of test administrators and school coordinators respectively, they underwent rigorous training conducted by the SEA-PLM National teams. The training equipped them with a deeper understanding of the regional standards and protocols, ensuring their adherence throughout the Field Trials.
Ensuring the integrity and compliance of the field trial activities, a host of observers and quality monitors were deployed in schools. Monitors included members of the SEA-PLM National Teams, representatives from the Ministries of Education, as well as provincial and district counterparts, along with delegates from the SEA-PLM Secretariat, SEAMEO Secretariat, and UNICEF EAPRO. Their presence and expertise provided invaluable guidance, guaranteeing strict compliance with regional technical standards.
The successful conduct of the Field Trials by the first batch of country teams represents the culmination of their commitment and collaborative efforts during the preparatory phase. This achievement serves as a promising precedent for the second cycle of the SEA-PLM programme and lays the groundwork for the upcoming Main Survey in 2024. The invaluable experiences and lessons learned from the Field Trials will inform the programme’s progress as it prepares for the participation of the 2nd batch of countries later this year.
SEA-PLM 2019 evidence: Holistic well-being of children leads to better learning outcomes
Virtual | Anieluz Pastolero: The SEA-PLM 2019 data reveals that children who possess good physical and mental states and have basic knowledge and concern about environmental issues tend to perform better academically than those who do not.
This was the crux of the discussion during the policy forum webinar on “Child Well-being and Learning in Six Southeast Asia: Insights from the SEA-PLM 2019 evidence” held virtually on 17 March 2023.
The policy forum webinar discussed the study conducted by UNICEF-Innocenti Global Office of Research and Foresight highlighting bullying as the most prevalent form of violence experienced by children in school, affecting 35% of students from participating countries. The report recommends establishing a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, offering counselling services, and promoting intercultural activities to create a secure learning environment.
Surprisingly, the introduction of environmental topics has a positive impact on children’s learning outcomes in reading, writing, and mathematics. The report found that children are concerned about various environmental issues such as pollution, water scarcity, energy shortages, and extinction of plants and animals.
Co-author of the report, Ms. Ximena Jativa, acknowledged the multifaceted nature of child well-being. She recommended intersectoral collaboration to ensure social and child protection, investing in basic WASH facilities (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene), reviewing policies on mental and physical well-being, allocating resources, and providing school-based safety nets like meals to ensure the holistic improvement of child well-being for Southeast Asian students.
While the SEA-PLM is primarily a learning assessment for grade 5 students in the region, Mr. Antoine Marivin, SEA-PLM Senior Project Manager, stressed the importance of investigating factors beyond the traditional cognitive proficiency tests that affect a child’s learning achievements.
The SEA-PLM findings highlighted the importance of being aware of the status of children in school and the need to prioritise their well being.
