National learning assessment systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: knowledge sharing and needs assessment, regional workshop, Dakar, Senegal, 6-8 December 2017; final report

The UNESCO-coordinated TALENT network (Teaching and Learning: Educators' Network for Transformation), organised a regional workshop on national learning assessment systems in sub-Saharan Africa, in collaboration with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), from 6 to 8 December 2017. The workshop brought together 17 sub-Saharan African countries and the major learning assessment programmes operating in the region (PASEC, SACMEQ, ADEA-NALA PAL-Network, PISA-D, TIMSS, PIRLS, etc.), as well as development partners who are active in this area. The workshop had four objectives: A. Enhance understanding of SDG 4 learning targets; B. Enhance understanding of the status of learning systems in sub-Saharan Africa and the programmes underway in the region to support countries in their efforts to improve learning outcomes; C. Enhance understanding of the characteristics of an effective learning assessment system and identify the strengths and weaknesses of participating countries in this field; D. Participate in the identification of capacity and knowledge gaps and needs with regard to learning assessment systems, which should be addressed in the GPE-A4L/TALENT programme.