The OECD’s upcoming international study of early learning outcomes for five-year-olds has raised concerns in the sector. Charlotte Goddard reports

When the media runs headlines such as ‘UK schools falling behind leading countries’, the stories are often based on data mined from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The three-yearly assessment of 15-year-olds is carried out in an increasing number of countries, and is regarded as a benchmark by which governments can compare their education systems. Not everyone is in favour, with opponents focusing on the programme’s narrow range and promotion of standardised testing.

Now the body behind PISA, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is set to launch an international assessment of early learning outcomes among five-year-olds. Sometimes referred to by the early years sector as ‘mini-PISA’ or ‘baby PISA’, the study will take place in 2018 and 2019 across three to six countries, and a report is set to be published in 2020.

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