Conclusions for reading performance
Minimum proficiency levels
At year four level, 49% of students in Small Island States met or exceeded the minimum expected proficiency levels (levels 4-8) while the regional percentage was 43%. At year six level, 73% of the students performed at or above the minimum expected proficiency levels, compared to 53% in the region.
Gender
A greater proportion of girls met the minimum expected proficiency levels in reading in Small Island States compared with boys. At year four level, 58% of girls performed at or above the expected proficiency level, compared to 44% of boys. At year six level, 83% of girls performed at or above the minimum expected proficiency level compared to 64% of boys. Girls also achieved higher average reading scores than boys in both year levels.
Trends
At year four level, the average reading performance was stable in 2015 (476) and 2018 (475) but decreased in 2021 (454).
At year six level, the average reading performance increased over the past three PILNA cycles (2015, 508; 2018, 534; 2021, 540).
