Published in: IEA Compass: Briefs in Education

Abstract:

In recent decades, large-scale assessments in Ireland have revealed consistent trends, phases of change, and some surprises. This Compass Brief explores how data from large-scale assessments informed Ireland’s National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy 2011–2020, particularly regarding priorities, target-setting, and monitoring. It also examines how related initiatives including curriculum redevelopment and standardized testing reform have reflected large-scale assessment findings. Looking ahead, we outline how large-scale assessments can inform Ireland’s next National Strategy to 2033, which encompasses digital literacy along with literacy and numeracy. More broadly, using Ireland as an example, we identify important issues for policymakers in other countries to consider when using ILSA (international large-scale assessment) data within their own national contexts.

Clerkin, A., & Delaney, E. (2025). How Large-scale Assessments Have Informed Education Policy in Ireland. IEA Compass: Briefs in Education #26. IEA. https://www.iea.nl/sites/default/files/2025-01/CB26-LSA-Data-Informing-Policy-Ireland.pdf