The SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, led by its Co-Chairs SEAMEO Secretariat and UNICEF EAPRO, convened the Extraordinary Session: Regional Consultation on the SEA-PLM programme held on 23 to 24 October 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The regional meeting brought together representatives from the Southeast Asian participating countries, along with delegates from the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), to assess the ongoing implementation of the SEA-PLM 2024. The two-day event marked a significant milestone as participants reflected on the achievements of the 2024 Main Survey and laid the groundwork for SEA-PLM post-2024 directions and strategies.Country teams also engaged to discuss national strategies for resource mobilization, partner engagement, and the use of survey findings to inform policy-making and quality improvement

National Teams during the bilateral meetings with the Regional Secretariat

The session included presentations from SEA-PLM’s Regional Secretariat and national teams, which detailed the technical milestones of the 2024 Main Survey. National Project Managers (NPMs) and High Officials from the participating countries shared insights into country-specific challenges and strategies for successfully managing the survey. In addition to reviewing the survey progress,the multi-annual SEA-PLM Strategic Note 2026-2031, which provides the transition strategy to the next phase of the programme, including the third assessment cycle,  was also presented. Participants provided valuable feedback on the multiannual plan enhancing the regional work plan focused on post-2024 activities, including data analysis, reporting, and dissemination.

Mr. Anggiet Ariefianto, representative from the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund 

This regional consultation highlighted the progress on the 2024 Main Survey, with participating countries showcasing their commitment to the SEA-PLM programme. With the plans of action presented by the National Teams, the participating countries underscored their commitment to utilizing SEA-PLM findings to drive policy changes at the national level, discussing strategies for effective data dissemination and partner collaboration to ensure findings reach stakeholders.

Myanmar National Team during the plenary session along with the  representatives from UNICEF EAPRO, SEAMEO Secretariat, and the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat

As the SEA-PLM programme approaches the end of its 2024 cycle, this extraordinary session provided a meaningful opportunity to strengthen partnerships, align strategies, and recommit to improving foundational learning for every child in the region. Participating countries reaffirming their commitment to translating SEA PLM insights into actionable. commitment in translating  SEA-PLM insights into actionable policies that elevate the quality and equity of education across the region. With continued support from the ASEAN Secretariat and the AKCF, the SEA-PLM programme strengthens its collaboration with key partners and countries to make the programme more responsive and relevant in its mission to improving education outcomes for every child in Southeast Asia. This session reinforced a shared goal to use SEA-PLM data to improve primary education standards across Southeast Asia.

The Extraordinary Session: Regional Consultation on the SEA-PLM programme was graciously supported by the ASEAN Secretariat through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF). For more details on SEA-PLM please follow our X and Linkedin account.

*Photo Credit: (From Top Left to Right) Mr Antoine Marivin, Mr Alejandro S. Ibanez, Mr Ung Chinna, Mr Outhit Thipmany, Dr Shamsudin Mohamad, Dr Than Than Myint, Ms Mitsue Uemura, Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim,  Mr Anggiet Ariefianto, Mr Muhammad Harliadi, Dr Kevin Carl Santos, Mr Abraao Ribeiro Mendonca, Dr Quoc Khanh Pham, Mr John Arnold Siena, (From Bottom Left to Right) Mr Hav Khou, Dr Aye Thida Soe, Dr Soe Moe Lwin, Mr Aye Myint Than Htay , Dr Tri Ta, Ms Ha My Pham,  Ms Gretchen Cordero, Ms Sitthattha Taikeophithoun, Dr Azlin Abd Jalal, Dr Maszuraini Miswan, Mr Uttha Khamheang, Mr Sar Sarin

The Technical Standards serve as the guiding principles for survey activities within the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) assessment, 2024 cycle, aimed at generating a high-quality regional dataset. These standards establish a reference point for assessing the compliance of data quality and project implementation procedures by participating countries and technical organisations involved in SEA-PLM 2024, enabling effective monitoring.

The Technical Standards have been updated and approved by the SEA-PLM 2024 bodies drawing upon the SEA-PLM 2019 regional and national experiences, as well as the latest programme developments. The standards promote the need for consistency, precision and generalisability of the collected data, while also acknowledging the necessity of a certain level of variability inherent in a regional assessment of this nature.

Dili, Timor Leste | Anieluz Pastolero: Timor Leste has firmed up its plans and preparations for the administration of the Main Survey after embarking on the critical in-country planning workshop facilitated by the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, in collaboration with Timor Leste's National Team. Timor Leste is part of the second batch of countries to conduct the Main Survey beginning in August 2024.

Members of the National Technical Team from the Ministry of Education participating during the workshop discussions.

Over the course of the four-day workshop, the National Team, in close collaboration with the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, strategised and planned for the successful execution of the Main Survey. Together, they identified standard national activities and necessary resources essential for the seamless implementation of the Main Survey. Throughout the workshop, intensive discussions centred on understanding SEA-PLM 2024 technical standards, aiming to refine and tailor these standards into Timor Leste's unique context. Likewise, emphasis was placed on the effective allocation and utilisation of resources, ensuring that each component of the Main survey operations was meticulously planned and executed.

The SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, National Team, and ACER during the culmination of the workshop sessions discussing the Field Trial psychometric results in reading.

In addition to the comprehensive planning sessions, discussions delving into Timor Leste's national psychometric report from the Field Trial were also conducted by the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat alongside its technical collaborator, the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). The session served as a capacity building opportunity for the National Team to unpack the results in reading and the implications of these results in terms of curriculum reform, teaching and learning enhancement, and classroom assessment strategy. 

The event garnered positive feedback from the National team highlighted by Mr Abraão Ribeiro Mendonca, the SEA-PLM National Project Manager, who conveyed the teams’ commitment in leveraging the acquired insights and information from the workshop. They aim to enhance the planning and execution of the Main Survey and extend these strategies for the refinement of their national learning assessments. 

Beyond the tactical planning, the workshop facilitated stimulating discussions and knowledge exchange sessions, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in developing and managing international large-scale assessments. 

Siem Reap, Cambodia | Anieluz Pastolero: Back-to-back with the 14th SEA-PLM Regional Steering Committee, the High-Level Regional Conference on Foundational Learning, collaboratively organised by the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, SEAMEO Secretariat, UNICEF EAPRO, and the ASEAN Secretariat, spotlighted the enduring crisis in foundational learning as well as the progress, gaps, and opportunities for accelerating foundational learning across the region. Drawing from the findings of SEA-PLM 2019 and other international comparative large-scale assessments, substantial gaps in literacy in reading, writing, and math among primary school students have persisted even before the pandemic, underscoring the urgent need for concerted efforts to support learners across the region.

Several themes and issues were unpacked by the Ministries of Education in the region and foundational learning experts throughout the discussions, ranging from empowering teachers, supporting learners, transforming curriculum, early childhood learning, and financing primary education. The platform provided a rich set of perspectives to key actors in the education arena on the bottlenecks and opportunities to improve the learning crisis, particularly on cultivating foundational learning of children in the region.

The conference concluded with the formulation of the regional priorities for action on foundational learning, aligning with the strategies identified during SEAMEO’s 6th Strategic Dialogue for Education Ministers in February 2023, as committed by the 11 SEAMEO member countries. The outcome document of the Conference will be released upon final consultation with countries. The SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, with its technical collaborators, is also gearing up for the launch of the SEA-PLM regional reports focused on improving foundational learning across the region, with topics ranging from early childhood learning, equity factors, learning trajectories, and the exploration of global citizenship education.

The event was held on 23 February 2024 and attended by delegates from the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund and the Ministries of Education of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Viet Nam. Representatives from the Global Coalition on Foundational Learning also took part in the panel discussions, including the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, USAID, UNESCO, UNICEF, and World Bank, together with the education and policy experts from the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, Korean Educational Development Institute, Association of Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network, SEAMEO CECCEP, ACER, and British Council.

Check the output document of the conference in the link below

High-level Regional Conference on Foundational Learning Discussion Results

Siem Reap, Cambodia | Anieluz Pastolero: The SEA-PLM programme kicked off 2024 with the convening of its 14th SEA-PLM Regional Steering Committee meeting, engaging countries and partners in achieving milestones outlined in the SEA-PLM 5-year Strategic Plan. As the programme is poised to begin its second round of assessment, 2024 Main Survey, the meeting focused on the final stages of preparation.

Throughout the meeting, the national technical teams from the seven participating countries, namely, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor Leste, and Vietnam, along with the SEA-PLM technical collaborators, cApStAn LQC and ACER, shared insights from their Field Trial experiences and provided updates on their Main Survey preparations.

Moreover, the meeting also served as a platform for presenting the main findings and policy directions from SEA-PLM regional studies contributed by the UNICEF Innocenti—Global Office of Research and Foresight and De La Salle University. The research presentations showcased the depth of insights gleaned from SEA-PLM 2019 data, enriching the understanding of various equity factors affecting student learning.

Beyond the Main Survey, several dialogues with key partners and technical collaborators were facilitated by the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, aimed at sustaining and enhancing existing partnerships as the programme enters a critical phase in the implementation of its second cycle.

The conclusion of the 14th Regional Steering Committee meeting saw the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat providing guidance and direction to participating countries regarding the schedule of activities for the upcoming year, emphasising commitments to the work plan designed to promptly deliver the results of the SEA-PLM 2024 assessment.

Notably, the steering committee meeting welcomed the esteemed presence of His Excellency Lee Jang-keun, Korean Ambassador to ASEAN, who reaffirmed the Mission’s continued support for SEA-PLM’s vital work in monitoring and enhancing the quality of learning across the region. His Excellency also lauded the strong partnership between the programme and Korean educational institutions, KEDI and KICE, which plays a crucial role in bolstering the region’s capacity to leverage evidence in improving basic education in Southeast Asia.

In addition, the meeting was honoured by the attendance of His Excellency Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport of Cambodia, who emphasised the significance of the SEA-PLM 2024 Main Survey. He shared insights into Cambodia’s policy reforms and efforts within the Ministry, guided by the SEA-PLM 2019 data and findings. These reforms encompassed enhancements in teacher training, curriculum development, textbook revision, expansion of pre-school facilities, and fostering parental involvement in schools.

The SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat with its co-chairs, SEAMEO Secretariat and UNICEF EAPRO, and funding partners, the ASEAN Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund and the ASEAN Secretariat

The 14th Regional Steering Committee Meeting also provided an opportunity for programme co-chairs, SEAMEO Secretariat and UNICEF EAPRO, to convene with the ASEAN Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) and the ASEAN Secretariat for the 4th SEA-PLM Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting.

In this PSC meeting, the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat presented an overview of the progress made in fulfilling the SEA-PLM project workplan within the broader SEA-PLM programme regional workplan. As the culmination of the initial phase of the AKCF project draws near, deliberations centred on strategic planning and measures to seamlessly conclude the second cycle and transition to the third cycle, including the 3rd round of assessment, SEA-PLM 2028.

With the guidance of AKCF and ASEAN Secretariat, the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat has indicated its readiness to manage forthcoming processes and protocols to ensure the continued commitment of SEA-PLM in monitoring and improving student learning outcomes in the region.

Among the distinguished participants of the regional steering committee meeting were representatives from the SEA-PLM Core Member countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor Leste, and Vietnam. Additionally, Honorary Member countries of Brunei Darussalam and Thailand were in attendance, alongside delegates from the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund, ACER, cApStAn LQC, British Council, Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, Korean Educational Development Institute, UNICEF, and UNESCO. The events took place from 21st to 22nd February 2024 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Seoul, Republic fo Korea | Apiradee Treerutkuarkul: The Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) Regional Secretariat has advanced the preparation for the Main Survey in 2024 by hosting the 3rd SEA-PLM Regional Technical Workshop from 11 to 15 December 2023, in collaboration with the Korea Institute for
Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE).

This collaborative effort engaged participating countries and partners in active discussions surrounding the psychometric results of cognitive and contextual instruments. National experiences gleaned from the Field Trial operations showcased best practices and lessons learned that can help inform the Main survey operations. Guided by the SEA-PLM technical standards, countries deliberated and agreed on the final selection of test items, instruments, procedures for the upcoming assessment scheduled for next year.

Crucial to this regional event was the annual gathering of national technical teams, essential for aligning and synchronising national and regional calendars and expectations. The alignment aimed to ensure a seamless and timely execution of programme activities both at the regional and national levels.

Present during the event were the national teams of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Timor Leste, and Viet Nam, co-chairs of the SEA-PLM programme—SEAMEO Secretariat and UNICEF EAPRO, key partners from AKCF and ASEAN Secretariat, technical experts from ACER and cApStAn LQC, among other collaborators of the programme.

Dr. Jimin Cho, Vice-President of KICE, acknowledged the significant milestones achieved in preparing for the 2024 assessment. Dr. Cho also articulated a vision of transforming the program into a sustainable and robust mechanism for monitoring student learning outcomes in the region.

The SEA-PLM Co-chairs, led by Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat, and Ms. Mitsue Uemura, Regional Education Advisor of UNICEF EAPRO, commended the diligent efforts of participating countries and the guidance provided by technical partners. They emphasized the foundational work undertaken to facilitate the successful execution of the Main Survey the following year. Furthermore, they urged all workshop participants to not only focus on assessment plans but also to recommit to the core objective of the programme – collectively enhancing the quality and equity of education across the region.

The Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE) is at the forefront, providing invaluable technical assistance to the SEA-PLM participating countries, namely Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar (CLM), as a contribution to the pillars of the SEA-PLM programme.

The core mission of the partnership between the SEAMEO Secretariat, through the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, and KICE supports the fulfilment of one of SEA-PLM’s guiding pillars, empowering CLM countries in analysing assessment data and developing capacities to improve national education policies and practices through the co-implementation of contextualised capacity-building workshops.

Delegates from Myanmar (left) and Cambodia (right) participated in hands-on activities on item development aligned with Math-based curriculum during the first day of the workshop

As part of the capacity-building component of the SEA-PLM programme, KICE meticulously crafted a comprehensive face-to-face training programme for the CLM countries, taking place on 9-10 November 2023 in Seoul, South Korea. This two-day workshop will build upon the foundations laid in the online workshops, enhancing competencies in utilising evidence derived from the SEA-PLM learning assessments.

A series of online capacity-building workshops have been conducted, focusing on developing essential skills in analysing large scale assessment data and utilising evidence to elevate education policy and delivery. In the first online workshop held from 25 November to 05 December 2022, 54 CLM delegates engaged in discussions about curriculum alignment and were introduced to test development for school and classroom-based assessments. The second online workshop, held from 12 to 29 June 2023 and attended by 82 CLM delegates, provided in-depth and sustained training on assessment theories and data analysis. This was achieved through the analysis of SEA-PLM 2019 data and further aggregation at the country-level.

Dr Jimin Cho, Vice President of Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE)

In her opening address, Dr Jimin Cho, Vice-President of KICE, highlighted the Korean education experience, emphasising the pivotal role of assessment in shaping curricula and enhancing teaching and learning as crucial components for educational improvement.

Tailored for educational experts and practitioners within the Ministries of Education from each CLM country, the training programme focused on key topics tailored to their unique education contexts.

Delegates from Cambodia (left), Lao PDR (middle), and Myanmar (right) presented workshop outputs in reading and writing on the second day of the workshop

The training programme, designed by KICE in collaboration with the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, is part of the SEA-PLM programme’s main objective, which is to leverage the use of evidence in improving technical capacity of participating countries on assessment in order to monitor learning outcomes and enhance the quality of basic education in their respective countries.

Delegates from Cambodia (right) and Myanmar (left) doing hands-on activities on data analysis on the second day of the workshop

In a pivotal move, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of Timor-Leste is participating in the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) programme, the first regional large-scale assessment in the region. Timor-Leste is the most recent addition to countries participating in the SEA-PLM 2024, which is the programme's second round of assessment. Other countries engaged in the program include Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Viet Nam.

The commitment of Timor-Leste to SEA-PLM 2024 promises transformative change in the country as it embarks into its first participation in an international large-scale assessment focusing on foundational learning. The wealth of data and information that comes from the regional evidence strengthens Timor-Leste’s position in utilising data in order to guide and shape educational policy and practice in the country.

In the speech of Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport, Her Excellency Ms Dulce De Jesus Soares, during the Field Trial training for Test Administrators and School Coordinators held on 27-28 September 2023 at City 8, Dili, attended by more than 50 field operators and school heads, the programme’s inaugural event in the country, she underscored the importance of the training in ensuring the quality and seamless data collection and test administration. Minister Soares highlighted the broader motivation behind the activity: to systematically collect data that can inform and enhance the primary education to improve student learning outcomes.

As the Field Trial activities conclude across all 7 SEA-PLM participating countries, the programme is on the cusp of its highly anticipated Main Survey in 2024. All National Teams, including Timor-Leste’s national team, in collaboration with the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat and key partners are gearing up for the 3^rd SEA-PLM Regional Technical Workshop scheduled for December 11 to 15, 2023. This crucial event will revolve around technical discussions and agreements on procedures to strengthen assessment tools and instruments to be employed in the forthcoming SEA-PLM assessment.

Timor-Leste’s participation in the SEA-PLM programme signifies a profound commitment to advancing education, not only within the country but also on a regional scale. As the Main Survey 2024 nears, Timor-Leste's prospects for meaningful change in education are brighter than ever as it leverages on learning evidence to support student learning in Timor-Leste and the rest of Southeast Asia.

The participants of the training of Test Administrators and School Coordinators in Timor-Leste

Manila, Philippines | Anieluz Pastolero: The implementation of the second phase of the SEA-PLM project, SEA-PLM 2024, is timely and on track to achieve its objective across all project outputs within the three programme pillars, according to the SEA-PLM Project Manager Alejandro Sinon Ibanez.

During the 3rd Project Steering Committee held on 03 February 2023 at SEDA Hotel, Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila, Mr. Ibanez said that based on the achievements and milestones of the project's first year of implementation, the progress of the different activities across the participating countries is very encouraging. He also mentioned that the project is at the crucial stage of its preparation for the second round of assessment, specifically on the Field Trial operations in 2023.

Present in the meeting, which was conducted in parallel with the 13th Regional Steering Committee Meeting, was Dr Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela, SEAMEO Secretariat Director, Mr Anggiet Ariefianto, Programme Manager of AKPMT, and Mr Alejandro Sinon Ibanez and Mr Antoine Marivin of the SEA-PLM Secretariat.

Dr. Valenzuela and Mr. Ariefianto emphasized the importance of the meeting as it ensures that the project is on track.

Mr. Ariefianto expressed support of the AKPMT in providing strategic guidance to ensure the smooth conduct of the project implementation. He also provided advice in strictly complying with the existing guidelines of AKCF and responding to any changes to adapt with the current situations and evolving realities given complexities of post-Covid 19.

The Committee also discussed potential challenges and strategic approaches to ensure the project’s success such as building new partnership agreements with current stakeholders, accommodating changes both at the regional and national level, and utilizing regional initiatives to create platforms for strong collaboration with participating countries and other key partners.

The next Steering Committee Meeting was proposed to be organised within the year.

Manila, Philippines | Anieluz Pastolero: The six countries that participated in the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics or better known as the SEA-PLM affirmed their commitment to strengthening the tracking of student learning during the 13th Regional Steering Committee Meeting held on 02-03 February 2023 at SEDA Hotel, Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila.

The High officials of the Ministries of Education from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, the Philippines, Timor Leste and Vietnam, convened to report on the SEA-PLM progress and its perceived impact to education policies and practices at the national level, building on the gains of participating in SEA-PLM 2019.

As Co-Chairs of the SEA-PLM Secretariat, Dr Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela, Director, SEAMEO Secretariat, and Ms Mitsue Uemura, Regional Education Adviser for the East Asia and Pacific, UNICEF EAPRO, highlighted the significant contribution of the regional meeting as a valuable opportunity for all stakeholders to come together and share their experiences, and challenges in the implementation of SEA-PLM both at the regional and national level.

They emphasized the need to work together to achieve the breadth and rigor of a large-scale assessment while taking into account the unique needs and context of countries in Southeast Asia. They expressed confidence in the continued support and collaboration of partners and participating countries to ensure that, through the SEA-PLM programme, the achievement of equitable and meaningful education for all children in the region can be realized.

The SEA-PLM participating countries also reviewed the 2022-2023 work plan covering planning, monitoring, and organization of activities, including the preparation for SEA-PLM 2024. The regional agenda included technical discussions on preparations for the field trial operations, policy dialogues and exchanges on school-level policy and practice, and discussions relating to overall management of regional and national-level implementation of the SEA-PLM programme.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat and UNICEF Regional Office for East Asia and Pacific (UNICEF EAPRO), the co-chairs of the SEA-PLM Secretariat.

It was attended by 53 participants, composed of representatives from six SEA-PLM participating countries namely Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor Leste, and Vietnam. Representatives from technical partners are also present such as the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), Korean Educational Development Institute (KEDI), Korea Institute of Curriculum Evaluation (KICE), UNICEF Office of Research and Innocenti, and cApStAn LQC. Delegates from partner organisations also participated in-person and online during the event, including the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UNICEF Myanmar, UNICEF Philippines, Edtech Hub, University of Bath, UNESCO Bangkok, ASEAN Secretariat, and ASEAN-Republic of Korea Project Management Team (AKPMT).