Calling All Assessment Experts! Online Consultation on Global Framework of Reference for Mathematics

The Global Alliance to Monitor Learning (GAML) is making steady progress in defining the learning outcomes indicators of the SDG 4 monitoring framework. The first step for all of these indicators – whether they refer to adult numeracy, digital literacy or global citizenship skills - is to develop a framework that by listing all of the content and skills can serve as reference to teach, develop and assess children, youth and adults. These frameworks will play a key role in the GAML strategy of linking existing assessments to produce SDG 4 data instead of developing a new global assessment.

In this context, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) and the International Bureau of Education (IBE) have developed the Global Framework of Reference for Mathematics, which is the subject of an online consultation. We need your feedback on this framework that will pave the way to monitoring progress with global monitoring indicator 4.1.1, which tracks the proportion of children and young people achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in mathematics in Grades 2/3 and at the end of primary and lower secondary education.

Credit: GPE/Paul Martinez

To develop the framework, the UIS and IBE reviewed the full range of mathematical concepts and competencies currently being assessed at national, regional and international levels. By identifying trends, differences and commonalities, we were able to develop the framework, which offers a global perspective on the content and skills domains and sub-domains for mathematics from primary to lower secondary education.

Online consultation on mathematics – we need your feedback by 20 February

We need your help in testing the new framework by using it to map your country’s national assessment framework at the domain and sub-domain levels. To help participants, a series of tools and tutorials are available on the online consultation platform. The consultation will close on 20 February and feedback will be used to further refine the framework to meet the needs of countries, as well as regional and international assessment agencies, by serving as a: 

1. Reference point that provides a common language and approach to develop and assess mathematics and monitor progress towards SDG Target 4.1;

2. Transparency tool that clarifies and provides an international perspective on the mathematical concepts and competencies being applied across countries and regions; and

3. Normative instrument which could potentially serve as a standard against which countries, regions, institutions, international agencies and professionals benchmark their programmes and certificates, and make international comparisons.

Help us spread the word

Please send us your feedback and help us spread the word on the consultations on mathematics. With your support, this framework will help pave the way forward to a rich array of data needed to monitor SDG 4 and shed unique insight into the ways in which mathematics is being taught and assessed by countries around the world.