Measuring Progress in Foundational Learning: The ICAN-ICAR Initiative and SDG 4.1.1(a)

• In Event: A Data-Driven Approach to Foundational Learning and Peacebuilding

Proposal

The People's Action for Learning (PAL) Network addresses the urgent need for comparable data on foundational learning through its ICAN (International Common Assessment of Numeracy) and ICARe (International Common Assessment of Reading) initiative. As a South-South partnership, PAL Network empowers local actors to generate reliable data that informs education policies and promotes accountability for quality education.
ICAN and ICARe are cost-effective, paper-based assessment tools designed to measure children's proficiency in foundational reading and numeracy in diverse, low-resource settings. These tools align with the Global Proficiency Framework (GPF) to enable direct reporting on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 4.1.1(a), which tracks the proportion of children achieving minimum proficiency in reading and mathematics.
This initiative is currently implemented in 12 countries across the Global South, targeting children aged 5-16 years to provide nationally representative data. The project employs a rigorous sampling strategy and includes supplementary modules on socio-emotional skills, children with special needs, and education in emergencies. Data quality is ensured through comprehensive training and adherence to the PAL Network’s Data Quality Standards Framework.
The data collection for this initiative is set to conclude by the end of September 2025, with a global report scheduled for launch in November 2025. This presentation will share the first-of-its-kind global findings from this initiative, showcasing the project's design, methodology, progress, and alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It will also serve as a call to action, seeking collaboration and support to enhance the project's impact on equity, inclusion, and sustainability in education.

Authors

• Muhammad Usman, PAL Network

• Armando A Ali, PAL Network