Students to be tested for literacy

For years Belizeans proudly boasted a literacy rate, which at over ninety percent, was the envy of the region. With those numbers having dropped drastically over the last three decades, however, educators have renewed their efforts at providing basic reading skills to all Belizeans. As part of that campaign a large number of students are about to participate in a scientific study.

Rosalind Bradley, Chair Curriculum and Instruction

“PIRLS stands for Progress in International Reading Literacy Study. It is designed to measure students literacy achievement and it’s really an international program or study research conducted by the International Research Organization.”

“Belize is participating. It is designed to determine where in terms of reading our 9-year olds are in terms of their ability to read for enjoyment and also to read for information.”

Jose Sanchez

“How many kids do you have in the program?”

Rosalind Bradley

“Initially in the program we’re going to have for the field test, 1,600 students. For the main survey which will be conducted in June, we’re going to have about 6 to 7,000 students.”

The participation of Belize in this global project, is the result of collaboration between UB’s Faculty of Education and the Ministry of Education.