The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA)
The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) is an international cooperative of national research institutions, governmental research agencies, scholars, and analysts working to research, understand, and improve education worldwide. IEA conducts large-scale comparative studies of education across the world, in order to provide educators, policymakers and parents with insights into the students’ overall performance.
IEA is governed by a Chair and an Executive Director, working in close partnership with members of the Standing Committee, General Assembly (GA) and IEA Directors. Serving as a Board of Directors, the Standing Committee holds bi-annual meetings to review IEA policy and project developments.
The GA is the central decision-making body of IEA. It consists of representatives appointed by the IEA member institutions, who attend GA meetings as voting delegates and represent the interests of educational research, policy and practitioners of their country.
Malta’s participation in IEA Studies
Malta has been participating in IEA studies since 2007. Back then, Year 9 students took part in TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study). Other IEA studies in which Malta has also been participating are PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study), ICCS (International Civic and Citizenship Study) and ICILS (International Computer and Information Literacy Study).
Malta’s ratification of GA membership
The 64th General Assembly of the IEA was held in September 2023 in Versailles, France, and Mr Sinclair Grima represented Malta as an observer. Following Malta’s application to become a member of the GA, Mr Grima was invited to deliver a presentation on Educational Research in Malta. The IEA Chair then invited the GA representatives to vote for Malta’s membership. The unanimous outcome led to Malta’s immediate commencement of the GA membership.
The General Assembly has ratified the membership for the Government of Malta, Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, at the 64th IEA General Assembly meeting in Versailles, France.
The 64th General Assembly Meeting
