KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education is ramping up preparations for the 2026 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), an international assessment that measures reading skills among fourth-grade students. As part of these efforts, the ministry held an orientation meeting for principals of 178 schools selected to participate in the study. The schools were chosen based on strict criteria to ensure broad representation of Kuwait’s education system. The assessment, set for April 26-30, will involve 5,532 fourth-grade students. PIRLS, conducted every five years, assesses cumulative reading skills in students’ language of instruction and provides a global benchmark for education systems.
“The PIRLS study provides precise indicators that help develop education policies, improve reading quality and strengthen Kuwait’s standing in global education rankings,” said Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs Hamad Al-Hamad. He noted that preparations are closely supported by Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, whose involvement reflects a commitment to enhance learning outcomes and build strong reading skills among primary students.
Hawraa Al-Qattan
Hawraa Al-Qattan, a ministry official, explained that the assessment will be administered electronically in school labs under organized procedures approved by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). She added that the study evaluates reading comprehension in Arabic and English, offering a benchmark for Kuwait’s performance compared with other countries.
The orientation also focused on practical readiness, including the role of school administrations in creating supportive learning environments, technical preparation for electronic testing and the use of tests and questionnaires for students, parents, teachers and administrators. Minister Al-Tabtabaei attended part of the session to monitor preparations on the ground, alongside other senior officials. — KUNA
