Vietnam continues to lead the region in Mathematics and Reading in SEA-PLM 2024

On December 4 in Manila (Philippines), the regional report launch conference of the Southeast Asia Primary School Learning Outcomes Assessment Program (SEA-PLM) 2024 took place with the participation of representatives of member countries. Permanent Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong delivered an online speech, sharing the results and Vietnam's commitment to improving the quality of primary education.

The conference announced the results of the assessment of Math and Reading proficiency of 5th graders from seven countries: Cambodia, Timor Leste, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. In 2024, Vietnam will have 152 primary schools in 53 provinces/cities participating in the survey, with nearly 6,000 5th graders, 6,000 parents, 1,074 teachers and 152 principals.

According to the SEAMEO report, Vietnamese 5th graders continued to lead the region in both areas of the survey. In Reading, Vietnam's average score was 323.5 points; in Mathematics, it was 334.6 points. Although down slightly from the 2019 cycle, this is still the highest score among participating countries.

Percentage of 5th graders achieving high proficiency in Reading Comprehension. (Source: Ministry of Education and Training )

The percentage of Vietnamese students achieving high proficiency levels is also outstanding: 66% in Reading (compared to the regional average of 40%) and 88% in Mathematics (compared to the regional average of 36%). Vietnam also achieved the highest percentage in the region in terms of minimum competency levels according to the Sustainable Development Goals: 86% in Reading and 95% in Mathematics.

Percentage of 5th graders achieving high proficiency in Mathematics. (Source: Ministry of Education and Training)

SEAMEO also released 10 key findings from the SEA-PLM 2019 and 2024 data, highlighting the need to increase investment in foundational learning, support vulnerable groups, enhance teacher capacity, narrow learning opportunity gaps, and promote evidence-based policy decisions.

Speaking at the Conference, Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong congratulated the participating countries and highly appreciated the efforts of SEAMEO and international partners. The Deputy Minister affirmed that the success of SEA-PLM 2024 demonstrates the spirit of close cooperation between Southeast Asian countries in improving the quality of education .

According to the Deputy Minister, Vietnam is entering a new stage of development with the requirement of innovation and digital transformation in education. The Ministry of Education and Training will continue to use the SEA-PLM results to perfect policies, improve teaching quality and promote international integration. Vietnam is ready to actively participate in SEAMEO initiatives and action plans in the coming time.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/viet-nam-tiep-tuc-dan-dau-khu-vuc-o-linh-vuc-toan-va-doc-hieu-trong-sea-plm-2024.html