Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to the following questions about PIRLS, more FAQs about international assessments are available at: http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/international/faqs.asp.

• What is PIRLS?
• What questions can PIRLS answer?
• What aspects of reading literacy are assessed in PIRLS?
• What are the components of PIRLS?
• What is the data collection schedule?
• What is the sample design?
• Which countries are participating?
• How was PIRLS constructed and administered?
• How does PIRLS compare to the NAEP fourth-grade reading assessment?
• Where can I get a copy of the PIRLS U.S. Report?
• When will PIRLS be administered again?

What is PIRLS?

The PIRLS study focused on the achievement and reading experiences of children in 35 countries in 2001, and in 40 countries in 2006, in grades equivalent to fourth grade in the United States. The study includes a written test of reading comprehension and a series of questionnaires focusing on the factors associated with the development of reading literacy.

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