Displaying items by tag: SEAPLM 2024
Launch of the SEA-PLM Technical Experts Network (TEN): Advancing Regional Collaboration to Improve Education in Southeast Asia
To build a strong community of practice aiming to harness data from SEA-PLM's extensive studies and surveys, the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) programme has officially launched its Technical Experts Network (TEN) through its inaugural meeting held in Bangkok on 23 September 2024. The meeting brought together a diverse group of regional and international experts from academic institutions, organizations, and research institutes. This collaboration aims to drive impactful changes in foundational learning throughout the region.
The formation of the TEN is a strategic step towards building a strong community of practice that will harness data from SEA-PLM’s extensive studies and surveys. By transforming this data into actionable insights, the TEN aims to inform policy reforms and interventions at both national and regional levels. Its role will include providing technical and advisory input, validating methodologies, and enhancing the quality of SEA-PLM’s knowledge products. This collaborative effort will empower SEA-PLM to translate survey data into practical recommendations that directly influence school-level policies and educational practices.
During the Bangkok meeting, key stakeholders from various regional institutions and education bodies discussed the network’s structure and future role in supporting the SEA-PLM 2024 cycle. Experts from Nanyang Technological University, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Malaysia, Ministry of Education Malaysia, University of the Philippines – Diliman, Philippine Normal University, SEAMEO Regional Center for QITEP in Mathematics, SEAMEO CECCEP, Taylors University Lakeside Campus Malaysia, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore were among the attendees. The discussions highlighted several priority areas, including the current composition of the TEN, its future contributions, and how its work will align with the broader educational goals of the region.
The establishment of the TEN is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing SEA-PLM’s core objectives. The network will provide essential guidance on program design, help validate technical documents, and ensure that the SEA-PLM programme continues to meet the needs of Southeast Asian countries by tailoring its approach to the specific contexts of each country.
Looking forward, the TEN will focus not only on supporting SEA-PLM’s existing goals but also on expanding its reach by engaging with additional experts and stakeholders. Inclusivity and diversity will be central to this process, ensuring that voices from across Southeast Asia are heard. This will create an evidence-based approach to education reform, addressing the unique needs of each participating country.
The meeting also laid the groundwork for long-term collaboration among experts, SEA-PLM officials, and other stakeholders. A key takeaway from the discussions was the commitment to leveraging collective expertise to address the region’s most pressing educational challenges. The insights and recommendations gathered during the meeting will shape the SEA-PLM programme in the years ahead, with a shared goal of improving learning outcomes for all students across Southeast Asia.
The formation of the TEN represents a significant milestone in SEA-PLM’s efforts to ensure every child has access to high-quality education that equips them with the foundational skills necessary for lifelong success. As the network grows and evolves, SEA-PLM remains dedicated to working with its diverse group of experts to foster educational excellence and equity throughout the region.
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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 2024 Main Survey data collection advances in Cambodia and Malaysia
Bangkok, 16 September 2024 - Building on the successful implementation in Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Vietnam earlier this year, the SEA-PLM 2024 Main Survey progresses with the data collection in Cambodia and Malaysia. Timor Leste and Myanmar are currently preparing for their main survey data collection in the last quarter of the year.
In Cambodia, about 9,000 students and their parents, along with roughly 360 teachers and schools, were engaged in the data collection procedures and processes. This large-scale and participatory data collection aims to gather relevant data and information to provide policymakers with insights not only on students’ foundational skills but also contextual information that affects student learning.
As part of the process of the data collection and to ensure that the survey meets international standards, Dr Eun Young Kim, Director of the Office of the International Cooperation at the Korea Educational Development Institute (KEDI) observed the documentation and implementation of the assessment procedures during the administration of the 2024 Main Survey in Cambodia.
Furthermore ,SEA-PLM recently completed a comprehensive training program in Malaysia aimed at preparing for the upcoming testing day. The program provided specialized training for both test administrators and school administrators, ensuring they are fully equipped with the necessary skills to manage the assessment process effectively in participating schools. This training is crucial in familiarizing participants with their roles and responsibilities, guaranteeing that the testing adheres to established guidelines, and thereby maintaining the integrity and reliability of the data collected.
In parallel with Cambodia’s efforts, SEA-PLM recently concluded a comprehensive training programme in Malaysia to prepare key team members for the upcoming assessment. Test administrators and school administrators underwent specialized training designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to oversee the smooth and efficient administration of the survey. Their training ensures that the assessment is conducted with integrity, maintaining the reliability and validity of the data collected.
Capacity-building remains at the heart of the SEA-PLM initiative. By equipping national teams with the tools to conduct high-quality assessments, SEA-PLM empowers countries to gather data that meet internationally recognized standards. These assessments are critical for generating evidence to guide educational policies and interventions at regional and national levels.
The recent training in Malaysia, along with the ongoing Main Survey in Cambodia, underscores SEA-PLM’s unwavering commitment to improving educational outcomes across Southeast Asia. Through continuous capacity building and international collaboration, SEA-PLM is fostering a culture of excellence and ongoing improvement in education systems throughout the region.
SEA-PLM programme showcased at the APMED 6 and NCEME 2024
The Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics was showcased as a platform for collaboration to improve education systems at two significant regional and national education events, further bolstering its significance in the region.
At APMED 6, held in Bangkok, over 100 participants from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered to explore innovative practices aimed at transforming education systems to be more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The event brought together representatives from UNESCO Member States, youth leaders, and education experts, focusing on strategies to address the ongoing learning crisis and accelerate progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on quality education.
In one of the side events at APMED 6, the SEA-PLM programme was presented in one of the parallel sessions that discussed the critical role of regional large-scale learning assessments in addressing learning disparities and advancing data-driven decisions in policymaking and implementation. Through the SEA-PLM example, it showcased the potential of regional large-scale learning assessments in providing regional collaborations and spaces for countries to collectively accelerate evidence-based solutions and interventions. Overall, the session centered on strengthening the capacity of educational systems to use assessment data effectively for policy reforms that can improve student learning.
SEA-PLM also made a significant impact at the National Conference on Educational Measurement and Evaluation (NCEME) 2024, held in the Philippines. The conference centered on sharing innovative strategies to enhance assessment and evaluation processes, with a focus on addressing current educational challenges in the country. Mr Alejandro Ibáñez, who served as a moderator in one of the sessions, emphasized SEA-PLM’s role in advancing regional and national insights to inform country-level reforms, especially in promoting the practice of effective assessment, measurement, and evaluation.
Both APMED 6 and NCEME 2024 reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and the effective use of data to shape education policies that lead to improved learning outcomes. SEA-PLM’s participation in these platforms and discussions further strengthens its role as a key contributor to the regional dialogue on educational assessment. These engagements reaffirm SEA-PLM’s ongoing commitment to supporting national and regional efforts to improve educational assessment systems, helping to ensure that all children in Southeast Asia have access to equitable and high-quality education.
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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 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 Quality Embodied through its 2024 Test and Questionnaire Assessment Framework
The Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) programme strives to achieve the rigor and quality of international large-scale assessments (ILSA) while addressing the unique challenges and contexts of Southeast Asian countries. The 2024 Test and Questionnaire Framework exemplifies SEA-PLM’s commitment to scientific rigor and high-quality development of cognitive tests and questionnaires, serving as an external measurement of education systems in the region.
Considering the unique educational contexts of Southeast Asian countries, the framework emphasizes the relevance of the literacy-based approaches and contents, ensuring the assessment encompasses a broad range of proficiencies of what children can do and their potential for continuous learning. This makes SEA-PLM 2024 instruments responsive and suitable countries’ and local needs.. The assessment framework includes a detailed definition of literacy in reading, writing, and mathematics, and outlines the processes for incorporating emerging skills and 21st century constructs in the questionnaires administered across stakeholders.
The confirmation of the SEA-PLM survey initiative as a cyclic comparative study in Southeast Asia – SEA-PLM 2024 as the second round - offers new perspectives to refine and improve some
components of the original framework developed for the first round of SEA-PLM. The aim is to
maintain a strong and robust foundation, based on many trend items and similar test formats and data collection procedures, to allow comparisons of trends over time between Grade 5 cohorts across the future cycles of assessment.
This document presents the SEA-PLM 2024 test and questionnaire framework to take into account lessons learned, experiences and the latest methodology direction of the survey. Key contents are presented in 5 chapters, SEA-PLM surveys approach (Chapter 1), cognitive test – reading (Chapter 2), writing (Chapter 3) mathematics (Chapter 4), and contextual questionnaires (Chapter 5). The final version of the SEA-PLM 2024 contextual student, parent, teacher and school questionnaires master source version in English are accessible in Annex 1, 2, 3 and 4. The SEA-PLM 2024 assessment framework is designed to be flexible to accommodate future survey iterations.
To gain a deeper understanding of how the SEA-PLM survey has been implemented using this framework and designed tests and questionnaires, SEA-PLM is pleased to publish and invite the education expert to explore the assessment framework document. This comprehensive guide offers insight into the development process, the rationale behind the updates, and the specific methodologies employed. Check the document to see how SEA-PLM continues to advance educational assessment and contribute to the improvement of primary education across Southeast Asia.
You can access the document on the SEA-PLM 2024 test and Questionnaire Framework here https://www.seaplm.org/index.php/sea-plm-2024/frameworks-2024
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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 Compendium of items: Advancing foundational skills in reading and mathematics
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
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.