National Exam Results

This outcome level indicator measures learning outcomes of the students of supported schools. It demonstrates the ultimate effect of interventions in formal education settings.

*This is a Global Results Framework indicator. 

Result Statement: Increased % of students scoring above average national exam rates

In most countries a standardized national examination system is in place. At the end of each education cycle, e.g. end of grade 3 and 5/ 6, students sit a national exam. The indicator should be measured for these grade(s). This indicator is based on secondary data analysis.

At the start of the project, find out which institution is responsible for the exam test evaluations (e.g. local/ district level education department, Ministry of Education, schools, external bodies, etc.). Enquire about the locally acceptable performance standards for the tests to decide on the desired score (%). If such a standard is not available, then base your benchmark on the past year's test scores (unless recommended otherwise).

Baseline Data:

Try to obtain the previous year’s exam results, ideally disaggregated by class, gender and subject in target schools, directly from the "test evaluating body". Calculate the number and proportion of students who performed at or above the given score.

Endline Data:

At the end of the project (and if possible also every year for the midterm), follow exactly the same procedure. Get the disaggregated student exam results (of the selected grade). Calculate the number and proportion of students who performed at or above the given score.

Disaggregate the data by gender, school, grade level and specific vulnerable groups, such as minorities or children with disability.

1) Getting reliable exam results data from the local institutions can be complicated, time-consuming and in some contexts even sensitive. Make sure you arrange for the data to be available well in advance, ideally in the project formulation stage. If you have doubts on availability or validity of the exam data, plan on using another indicator to measure student learning outcomes (e.g. results of another type of individual assessment conducted by the project).