Fundamental learnings in Latin America and the Caribbean, Student learning achievement assessment: Regional Comparative and Explanatory Study (ERCE 2019); executive summary

This report presents the main findings of the Regional Comparative and Explanatory Study (ERCE 2019) for the 16 participating Latin American and Caribbean countries. The areas covered in the study provide pertinent information about the current state and progress of learning among students in the 3rd and 6th grades of primary school in the region, in Reading, Math, and Science. It also identifies gaps, and factors related to family and school context that are associated with student performance. The data presented in this report show that, even while some countries have made significant progress since the last regional study, TERCE 2013, overall the region has not advanced in learning achievement. Furthermore, major gaps remain that must continue to be addressed in order to achieve more equitable educational systems. Socioeconomic and gender inequities are especially relevant, as are the systemic disadvantages experienced by indigenous peoples. This study also demonstrates the close relationship between certain teaching practices and student learning. These results are a wakeup call for the region’s countries. They also provide an important input for guiding efforts to move towards more inclusive, equitable and higher quality educational systems that promote learning opportunities for all children and youth in the region.