Leveraging Citizen Data for Foundational Learning: ICAN-ICAR for Policy, Practice, and Research in the Global South

Group Submission Type: Workshop

Description of Session

This workshop introduces the People's Action for Learning (PAL) Network's International Common Assessment of Numeracy (ICAN) and International Common Assessment of Reading (ICAR) as innovative, globally comparable, and cost-effective solutions for measuring foundational learning in children aged 5-16 in the Global South. Evolving from the widely successful Citizen-Led Assessments (CLAs), ICAN and ICAR are paper-based tools meticulously aligned with the Global Proficiency Framework (GPF) and the global criteria for reporting under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1(a). The numeracy assessment (ICAN) spans five domains with 36 items, while the reading assessment (ICAR) covers three domains with 30 items. Both tools have undergone rigorous development, including comprehensive review by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), achieving a "Strongly Aligned" status with all four global reporting criteria in mathematics and reading as of early 2025.
The workshop aims to serve a two-fold purpose:
1. Awareness and Programmatic Application: Provide an in-depth understanding of the ICAN-ICAR tools, their technical rigor, and their utility for diverse programmatic needs. We will present case studies and practical examples demonstrating how these assessments, by reaching both in-school and out-of-school children through a citizen-led, household-based model, can inform resource allocation, intervention design, and advocacy efforts by various organizations (e.g., NGOs, government agencies, development partners). Future plans to integrate inclusive modules for Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Education in Emergencies (EiE), and children with special needs will also be discussed, highlighting their adaptability and comprehensive scope.
2. Data for Policy, Practice, and Research: Explore how the nationally representative data generated through ICAN-ICAR can be effectively leveraged for evidence-based policy formulation, practical application by educators, and advanced research by academics and practitioners. The PAL Network's commitment to two anticipated assessment rounds by 2030 underscores its potential for consistently tracking SDG 4.1.1(a) progress and informing long-term educational strategies.

Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will understand the design, scope, and "Strongly Aligned" status of the ICAN-ICAR foundational learning assessments, including their alignment with global reporting standards.
2. Participants will identify practical applications of ICAN-ICAR tool and data for various programmatic needs and recognize potential opportunities for inter-organizational collaboration.
3. Participants will learn strategies to leverage ICAN-ICAR national data to inform evidence-based policy decisions, stimulate local educational interventions, and contribute to academic research on foundational learning.
4. Participants will gain insight into the citizen-led model, its emphasis on community engagement, and its role in fostering accountability and local ownership of data for sustainable impact.

Sub Unit

• Book Launches and Workshops / Workshop

Chair

• Armando A Ali, PAL Network

Workshop Organizer

• Muhammad Usman, PAL Network

Presenter

• Ketan Ketan, University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst)