Planning and Implementing International Early Grade Reading Assessments

• Activity Number: 382
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 5, 2014 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
• Sponsor: Survey Research Methods Section
• Author(s): Simon King*+ and Christine Davies and Peter Frechtel
• Companies: RTI International and RTI International and RTI International
• Keywords: survey ; international ; education ; sample

Abstract

RTI International has conducted Early Grade Reading Assessments (EGRA) in approximately 55 countries to date. This paper will focus on challenges of sample design and external factors faced by statisticians during the assessment, planning, and implementation processes. Topics touched on include constraining factors (i.e. logistical, budgetary and timeline) and challenges during data collection and how these affect the sample design. The statistician must be able to negotiate and compromise while still maintaining the statistical validity of the study. RTI will focus on three case studies to demonstrate how challenges faced during the planning and implementation of EGRAs can always be overcome and result in high quality data and analysis for stakeholders.