The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has announced the successful conclusion of the pilot phase of its Early Reading Assessment (OERA) and Early Mathematics Assessment.
According to the organisation, it marked a significant milestone towards implementing standardised Grade 2 assessments in reading and mathematics across the OECS Member States.
“This pilot will help us understand not only the efficacy of the assessment with regards to internal consistency and validity but will also help us respond to country-specific issues and concerns. This will enable a more nuanced approach to regional assessment, in line with the concept of a truly harmonized curriculum,” explained Royston Emmanuel, Senior Technical Specialist, Education at the OECS Commission,
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE)-funded OECS Program for Educational Advancement and Relevant Learning (PEARL) conducted the initiative.
The aim was to measure essential literacy and numeracy skills, providing crucial data to refine curricula and address regional learning gaps.
From October 10–18, assessors used digital tools, including tablets, to record students’ oral reading and collect data seamlessly in eight OECS Member States: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
“This innovative approach not only streamlined data collection but also laid the foundation for improving early-grade learning outcomes,” according to the OECS.
With the pilot data under review, the OECS will work closely with Ministries of Education, teachers, and curriculum experts to enhance the assessments and align them with international benchmarks.
The final assessments, scheduled for May 2025, will enable the OECS to monitor and report student proficiency in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4.1.1.a, which targets minimum literacy and numeracy standards for Grades 2 or 3 students.
