MoES, Australia Collaborate on Early Grade Language Assessments to Enhance Inclusive Education in Lao PDR

03/04/2025 13:58
Email Print 10161
ຂປລ In March and April, twenty-six enumerators from the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), with technical and financial support from Australia through the Basic Education Quality and Access in the Lao PDR (BEQUAL) program, are carrying out a second year of Early Grade Language Assessments (EGLA) as part of the ‘Inclusive Teaching and Learning Evaluative Study’.

Students doing Grade 2 EGLA test in remote areas

(KPL) In March and April, twenty-six enumerators from the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), with technical and financial support from Australia through the Basic Education Quality and Access in the Lao PDR (BEQUAL) program, are carrying out a second year of Early Grade Language Assessments (EGLA) as part of the ‘Inclusive Teaching and Learning Evaluative Study’.

The study is being conducted over three years from 2024 – 2026. A group of students from 120 schools across 30 districts within seven provinces - Phongsaly, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Houaphanh, Xiangkhouang, Khammouane and Savannakhet - are participating in the study. Last year 883 students participated in a grade one language test. This year the same students are participating in a grade two language test. Next year they will participate in a grade three test.

The enumerators attended a four day training on the grade 2 EGLA test

Students selected for the study have a home language other than Lao, are living with a disability or have lower school attendance. Past national assessments of student learning outcomes have identified these factors as contributing to lower performance on tests. The EGLA is specifically designed to find out which teaching strategies are most effective for students whose learning outcomes are affected by these factors. This will help tailor future educational approaches to meet their unique needs.

Students doing Grade 2 EGLA test in remote areas 

 “The aim of the longitudinal study is to understand how this group of students are progressing from year to year after teachers receive support and training. It will help us identify what teaching strategies work for supporting all students’ learning, especially those facing disadvantages that quality teaching can help to overcome,” said Ms Manoly Dongvan, Deputy Director General, Research Institute for Educational Sciences (RIES).

 “The findings will provide valuable insights that can inform educational policies and practices, contributing to the improvement of the education system. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance learning outcomes for all students, ensuring they receive the support necessary to succeed academically and socially,” said Ms Vanessa Hegarty, First Secretary, Australian Embassy.

Students doing Grade 2 EGLA test in remote areas

From 18 to 21 March, the 26 enumerators from RIES and Dongkhamxang Teacher Training College attended a four-day training on the grade two EGLA test. Starting 24 March, they started conducting field work accompanied by provincial and district education personnel. The data will be analysed by ACER and BEQUAL in May and June, with results available in September.

The enumerators attended a four day training on the grade 2 EGLA test

 “This study shows the Ministry of Education and Australia’s continued commitment to creating schools where students feel like they belong and want to actively engage in the learning process – leading to better learning outcomes for students,” Ms Manoly added.

The team of enumerators from RIES and Dongkhamxang TTC

Ms Vanessa concluded, "I look forward to the results of this study. Australia is committed to furthering our partnership with the Ministry of Education to identify and advance teaching methods that foster an inclusive learning environment for all students."

 

KPL

ຂ່າວອື່ນໆ

    • Consultation Meeting Held to Prepare for Hosting AMMSTI-22Education

      Consultation Meeting Held to Prepare for Hosting AMMSTI-22

      2/5/2026 9:21:19 AM

      The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) held a consultation meeting on February 2, 2026, to review progress and preparations for hosting the 22nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology, and Innovation (AMMSTI-22), scheduled to take place in June 2026.

    • MoES and Australia produce new resource, Teacher Support Pack 14: “Supporting Students with Disability in the Classroom” to support inclusive classroomsEducation

      MoES and Australia produce new resource, Teacher Support Pack 14: “Supporting Students with Disability in the Classroom” to support inclusive classrooms

      2/2/2026 10:37:41 AM

      The Ministry of Educations and Sports (MoES), with the support of the Australian Government through the Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao PDR (BEQUAL) program completed the final photo shoot to capture images that illustrate how to implement the practical strategies in the new Teacher Support Pack (TSP) 14 “Supporting Students with Disability in the Classroom”. Representatives from the Department of Teacher Education (DTE), the Inclusive Education Promotion Centre (IEPC), and Vientiane Province Provincial and District Education Services (PESS) joined.

    •  Lao Education Sector Records Quality Improvements and Advances Structural ReformEducation

      Lao Education Sector Records Quality Improvements and Advances Structural Reform

      1/13/2026 2:30:37 PM

      The Lao education sector achieved notable progress during the 2024–2025 academic year, marking a transition toward higher quality standards across all levels of education, from early childhood to higher education.

    • MoES and Australian Delegation Visit Xiangkhouang to Strengthen Inclusive Education   Education

      MoES and Australian Delegation Visit Xiangkhouang to Strengthen Inclusive Education

      12/14/2025 10:06:39 AM

      A high-level delegation led by Mrs. Daravone Kittiphanh, Vice Minister of Education and Sports (MoES) of Lao PDR , and Ms. Benita Sommerville, Deputy Ambassador at the Australian Embassy, visited Xiangkhouang Province from 10–12 December to review progress in improving teaching quality and promoting inclusive classroom practices. The visit highlighted the school-based Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system and the new Grade 1 Spoken Lao approach being implemented with Australian support through the BEQUAL program. The delegation observed how these two initiatives are beginning to transform teaching and learning across the country.

    • MoES, Australia Begin Filming Fourth Education Promotion EpisodeEducation

      MoES, Australia Begin Filming Fourth Education Promotion Episode

      12/11/2025 1:10:51 PM

      The Ministry of Education and Sports of the Lao PDR (MoES), with support from the Australian Government through the BEQUAL program, began filming the fourth episode of the national Education Promotion campaign this week. Led by the Research Institute for Educational Sciences (RIES) and produced by RIES’ Information Media Center (IMC), the episode titled “The Village That Supported Education” highlights a compelling, community-driven response to declining school attendance and demonstrates how collective action can help secure brighter futures for children.

ads
ads

Top