The embassy of the United States of America, the Delegation of the European Union, the OSCE and UNICEF commented on the below-average results of Bosnian students in the TIMSS test.
One year after the publication of the results of the first test for the International Student Assessment Survey (PISA) for Bosnia and Herzegovina, today we mark another important date for the education sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina - we received the test results for the International Student Achievement Survey in Mathematics and Science Sciences (TIMSS) which was performed in 2019
The results of the TIMSS survey show that schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not prepared to enter a society based on the use of knowledge from the 21st century and that Bosnian children are not given the same opportunities to develop their potential as their peers from high and medium high income residents. A large number of children in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 600,000 of them, can no longer wait because their future is at stake.
The US Embassy, the EU Delegation, the OSCE and UNICEF stated the importance of participating in such tests.
"In addition, continuity in participation in extensive international research is crucial for monitoring and further developing not only the situation but also trends in education, so that it is possible to adjust education reform where necessary. When it comes to this, we would like to remind The report of the European Commission on Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2020, which states that it is necessary to participate in such research in order to monitor the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina and better visibility and comparability in a broader context, "they explained.
They also reminded of the importance of an educated population.
"Educated and qualified populations are a necessary component of any dynamic-organized economy and inclusive, cohesive society that Bosnia and Herzegovina strives for, so education reform should be the backbone of efforts invested in the development of this country," they stressed.
They called for Bosnia and Herzegovina to be allowed to participate in the upcoming tests.
"In order to enable evidence-based education reform, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to take all necessary steps to apply for participation in upcoming international surveys (PIRLS 2021 and PISA 2022). at the same time, they ensure the inclusiveness and transparency of the assessment process in, among other things, consistent cooperation with all educational authorities and with each other, "they stressed.
According to the US Embassy, the EU Delegation, the OSCE and UNICEF, the competent education authorities at all levels must resolutely move towards creating inclusive, adaptable and quality education systems through which they will be ready for the future.