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 developed 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 questions can PIRLS answer?

PIRLS is a carefully constructed reading assessment, consisting of a test of reading literacy and questionnaires to collect information about 4th-grade children's reading literacy performance.

PIRLS will help educators and policymakers by answering questions such as:

• How well do 4th-grade students read?
• How do students in one country compare with students in another country in reading literacy?
• Do 4th-grade students value and enjoy reading?
• Internationally, how do the reading habits and attitudes of students vary?

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