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?

Which countries are participating?

The table below lists the total number of education systems that have participated in each of the three administrations of PIRLS at grade 4. This number includes both countries and subnational entities, such as Canadian provinces, U.S. states, England, and Hong Kong. For more information on participating education systems, visit the PIRLS Country Page.

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