PIRLS 2006 Encyclopedia

National or Regional ExaminationsAs a part of the educational reform in Georgia, a state assessment of student achievementin native language was held in 2003. The results from this assessment were used duringthe design of the curriculum and the textbook development process.While assessing native language achievement in grades 1 through 4, twocommunication skills (reading and writing) were examined, as well as languagecompetencies (vocabulary and grammar). Centralized tests were prepared by the NationalAssessment and Examination Center and were administered across the country. Similartypes of assessments are planned for every 4 years in the future. The reading test portionof the state assessment was published in 2005 and is used in the elementary grades assupplementary material. 10There are no national examinations at the elementary level. In the 2002–03 school year,national examinations were held in ninth grade. The examinations included standardizedtests in the native language, mathematics, and a foreign language. The test in the nativelanguage contained a section that assessed students’ reading skills. As part of the UnifiedUniversity Entry Examinations (held in Georgia since 2005), reading skills are assessedas a large portion of the Georgian language and literature and general aptitude section.The organization of a unified examination for master’s courses is planned for 2008. Theverbal section of this examination will have substantial assessment of reading skills.Standardized TestsThere are very few standardized tests published in Georgia. As mentioned above,standardized tests in the native language and mathematics used in a 2003 NationalAssessment have been published by the National Assessment and Examination Center. 11These tests are used by schools to assess students’ achievement levels.PIRLS 2006 EncyclopediaGeorgiaTIMSS & PIRLSInternational Study CenterLynch School of Education, Boston College 141