Data from UNESCO’s new ERCE 2019 reveals that in 16 countries in the region, an average of 40% of third grade students and 60% of sixth graders have not acquired basic competencies in reading and math.    In addition, the study found that in most countries, there has not been significant progress in learning achievements among primary education students between 2013 and 2019. Some countries have seen reversals. 

By Alejandro Vera and Martín Scasso, Regional Bureau for Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (OREALC/UNESCO Santiago)

In the context of COVID-19, assessment is essential to measure and counteract the impact of school closures on learning. In this context, UNESCO explored more contextualised and flexible assessments through the voices of teachers.

A UNESCO report says discrimination and harassment against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) students remains widespread in schools.