Third GAML Meeting

Third TCG Meeting

The results of the GAML meeting were duly presented to the Technical Cooperation Group (TCG) on SDG 4–Education 2030 Indicators that met in Montreal, Canada on 1-2 June 2017. 47 experts and representatives from 13 Member States, 5 Observer States and 7 organizations reviewed, among other items, the GAML recommendations on 2017 reporting based on current cross-national learning assessment (CNLA) data, as well as progress towards development of a Global Lead Indicator (GLI), workplan of the TCG for 2017-2018 and other items. Read more

Meeting of the Regional/International Assessments

Without data for learning assessment, moving forward is impossible. A lot of assessments are happening on all levels every year. How to link them? How to report on the same scale? How to expand coverage? These are the main questions. The UIS has been considering different alternatives and the conclusion is quite clear. The way forward is through a global reporting and harmonization of different assessments. To address the critical issues of linking and global reporting as well as expanding coverage of learning assessments worldwide, the UIS has convened a meeting of the regioal and international learning assessments leaders to take place on 26 June 2017 in Washington DC.

We believe that a collective action can help. Read more about the UIS practical solution to streamline the discussion and add value by leveraging resources and developments already in place.

GAML Task Forces

The best way to contribute to the technical and methodological discussions on learning indicators is to engage with the GAML Task Forces that started their work in 2017. The Task Forces are developing technical proposal for all targets which include a learning indicator, namely 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6 and 4.7. A cross-cutting Task Force on Assessment Implementation was also formed with a new Capacity Development task force under discussion.

Task Force 4.1

In two virtual meetings that Task Force 4.1 has held up to date, its members discussed the feasibility of national learning assessment data for reporting, coverage issues (the grade of reporting, target population), and choice of tools (national, regional or international assessments) for reporting on national learning outcomes. They also suggested minimum quality requirements and the establishment of data validation for submitted data. The recommendations were put forth at the third GAML meeting to continue with the development of tools and processes for global reporting. Read more

Composition-Task Force 4.1

Task Force 4.2

Three virtual meetings of Task Force 4.2 were held, and two discussion papers produced: one on learning domains for Target 4.2.1, and the other on options for a measurement strategy for the target. The latest meeting focused on the measurement strategy, and the need to align more closely the role of the Task Force with the work undertaken by UNICEF and its creation of an Inter-Agency Expert Group on ECD, in which the UIS will participate. UNICEF is the custodian agency for Target 4.2.1 and their current plans are to revise and expand their Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) to align it more closely with the target, and make it applicable to all countries. Following the latest meeting and inputs from members, revised Terms of Reference including a proposal for engagement with UNICEF will be proposed. Read more

Composition-Task Force 4.2

Task Force 4.4

The Task Force met virtually once to discuss the definitions of ICT and digital literacy skills. Task Force members are asked to review the main technical documents, identify major gaps in measuring learning outcomes of ICT skills, and if appropriate consider a study that would synthesise the literature, map existing information on the measurement of ICT skills and propose a standard definition. The Task Force will meet on 23 June 2017 to agree on the revised Terms of Reference, including the revised timeline of activities, and discuss work plan and activities. Read more

Composition-Task Force 4.4

Task Force 4.6

The Task Force had its first virtual meeting on 22 June 2017. The agenda covers GAML’s third meeting, the review of existing Task Force Terms of Reference and potential work plans. Some technical issues will be briefly introduced, the availability of national, regional and international initiatives, the definition of a target population and the definition of functional literacy and numeracy.

Composition-Task Force 4.6

The Task Force will likely have its first virtual meeting in the third quarter of 2017. It is chaired by UNESCO’s Section of Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship. There is currently no progress on the learning-related indicators for Target 4.7.
Composition-Task Force 4.7

Task Force on Assessment Implementation: The Task Force had two virtual meetings. The first meeting clarified the overall process for monitoring of learning achievement, and clarified the terms of reference and function of the task force. The second meeting discussed what constitutes good practices in learning assessment based on an earlier version of a data quality concept note and a preliminary version of the Manual of Good Practice in Learning Assessments (GP-LA). Task Force members recommended further development of the GP-LA and the recommendations were presented at the third GAML meeting. Read more

Composition-Task Force on Assessment Implementation

Calendar of events (July-December 2017)

07 (date TBC):  GAML Task Force 4.1 fourth virtual meeting

09 (date TBC): GAML Task Force 4.7 second virtual meeting

26-27.10:            Fourth meeting of GAML (place TBC)

12 (date TBC):   Fourth meeting of TCG (place TBC)

Contacts

uis.information@unesco.org for general questions
uis.lo@unesco.org (GAML Secretariat)
uis.tcg@unesco.org (TCG Secretariat)
uis.director@unesco.org (UIS Director’s office)
Olga Ovsyannikova (o.ovsyannikova@unesco.org) – Executive assistant to the UIS Director