Standardized literacy assessment for young people and adults: An exploratory study

Abstract

This paper presents an exploratory analytical-descriptive study of literacy assessment, developed to monitor learning within the scope of the Youth and Adult Literacy Program – Proaja, a policy implemented by the Department of Education of the State of Piauí, Brazil – SEDUC/PI, during the 2020-2021 period. The approach proposed in the program, particularly regarding the organization of literacy profiles, the issues of the diagnostic tests adopted, as well as evaluation assumptions and potential advances are discussed. The study highlights both the importance of monitoring learning through standardized tests during the implementation of programs such as Proaja and the role and significance of formal assessment in education for young people and adults, a context in which learning trajectories are usually not systematically assessed.