In preparation for the upcoming international assessment PISA in April-May 2024, Kyrgyzstan is conducting pilot testing, which will not affect the official results of the country in 2025. The national manager of PISA, Onolkan Umankulova, clarified during a press conference that the field research results will not determine Kyrgyzstan's preliminary ranking, which will be revealed after the main assessment. The data from the pilot testing will not be analyzed in terms of the current level of functional literacy among Kyrgyz students.
Umankulova emphasized that the pilot testing is a technical stage of preparation aimed at identifying potential logistical challenges for the main assessment. Factors such as logistics, organization of students, internet speed, electricity availability on the day of testing, and other technical aspects will be assessed to better prepare for the following year. This will provide an opportunity to anticipate and address any issues, including enhancing computer literacy among teachers and students.
Furthermore, international organizations will also be involved in analyzing the validity of the tests for 2025, determining which tests can be utilized. PISA, the Programme for International Student Assessment, is a global program that evaluates students' educational achievements. It is anticipated that around 100 countries will participate in the 2025 PISA assessment. Kyrgyzstan has previously participated in PISA in 2006 and 2009, ranking last on both occasions. This ongoing preparation signifies a proactive approach to improve future participation and outcomes in the international assessment.
