UNESCO’s LLECE Laboratory held a technical workshop on large-scale learning assessment in Buenos Aires

The activity was carried out within the framework of the Regional Comparative and Explanatory Study (ERCE 2025) to assess learning across the region and support countries in developing stronger and more comparable educational assessment systems. The workshop also benefited from the collaboration of the MIDE UC Measurement Centre of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, an implementing partner of the study.

Over the course of three working days, specialists from different countries deepened their understanding of methodologies for large-scale learning assessment. Among the main topics addressed were the design and analysis of assessment instruments, the identification of possible biases associated with gender and national contexts, and the strengthening of key aspects such as the validity, reliability and fairness of assessments.

Participants also worked on the analysis of learning outcomes through the use of plausible values and performance levels, and reviewed mechanisms that help ensure the comparability of results across different assessment cycles.

"Strengthening technical capacities and fostering the exchange of experiences among countries are essential for advancing towards assessment systems that generate useful evidence for decision-making and contribute to educational improvement and transformation in the region," said Carlos Henríquez, Coordinator of the LLECE Laboratory.

One of the main challenges for Latin America and the Caribbean remains the need for educational assessments that are reliable, comparable and free of bias, especially in contexts marked by inequality and learning gaps. In this context, initiatives such as this workshop seek to provide better tools for designing assessments, interpreting data and promoting more equitable and effective education policies.