Latin American Education Systems in response to COVID-19: Educational continuity and assessment: analysis from the evidence of the Latin American Laboratory for Assessment of the Quality of Education (LLECE): programme document

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unforeseen consequences for the education systems in the region. The Latin American Laboratory for Assessment of the Quality of Education used the existing cooperation network in 17 of the 18 LLECE member countries to investigate the educational response to the pandemic. At the time of the survey, the main problem continues to be the disruption of face-to-face classes; 15 of the 17 participating countries keep their educational establishments closed, most without clarity as to when they will reopen. Faced with this situation, countries have implemented various strategies to ensure the continuity of learning. Through the survey, countries were also consulted as to which they perceived to be the greatest obstacles to the success of the implemented measures. Regarding assessment, most countries had at least one planned assessment at national level, either their own or international, and have made various decisions depending on the nature of each assessment. Countries were also consulted on their formative assessment initiatives, which focus on providing individualized results to support teaching. In regard to guidelines for distance assessment carried out by teachers, a high proportion of countries are favoring flexible assessment strategies, such as project-based learning, portfolios, or schoolwork, over traditional examinations.