Unlocking Potential - Enhancing Education Quality in the Western Balkans based on Insights from the PIRLS 2021 and PISA 2022 studies

Oct 15, 2026

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Western Balkan countries participate consistently in international learning assessments such as PISA and PIRLS. This publication analyzes recently released data from PISA 2022 and PIRLS 2021 to pinpoint four priority areas for improvement. Focus areas include extending learning duration in schools, strengthening teaching practices, improving school preparedness, and addressing the distracting overuse of smartphones in the wake of COVID-related closures. The report offers policy options and actionable recommendations to advance education systems and raise learning outcomes vital for students’ well-being and regional economic development.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages77

Reading Time3 h 14 min

AccessFree to download

Table of Contents

I. Acknowledgments

II. Executive Summary

III. Introduction: Navigating Challenges and Aspiring for Progress in the Western Balkans

IV. PISA Student Results at the Lower Secondary Level: Understanding Underperformance

V. Teachers and Teaching Practices: Enhancing Quality and Efficiency

VI. The roles of School Closures and the Digital Transition in Plummeting Learning Outcomes in the Western Balkans

EDUCATION WORKING PAPER No. 7 | JANUARY 2025 Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Author ized Public Unlocking Potential: Enhancing Education Quality in the Western Balkans based on Insights from the PIRLS 2021 and PISA 2022 studies | Tigran Shmis, Paul Cahu, Lucia Brajkovic, | | --- | | and James Gresham | © 2025 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 [Email: AskEd@worldbank.org](Email: AskEd@worldbank.org) [Internet: www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education](Internet: www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education) This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, links/footnotes and other information shown in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. The citation of works authored by others does not mean the World Bank endorses the views expressed by those authors or the content of their works. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail: [pubrights@worldbank.org](pubrights@worldbank.org). Cover design: Marianne Siblini Unlocking Potential: Enhancing Education Quality in the Western Balkans based on Insights from the PIRLS 2021 and PISA 2022 studies Tigran Shmis, Paul Cahu, Lucia Brajkovic, and James Gresham January 2025 Abstract Western Balkan countries are consistent participants in international learning assessments like the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Progress in International Reading Literacy (PIRLS) . This publication provides an analysis of the recently published data of the PISA 2022 and PIRLS 2021 studies. This study identified four key areas where the performance of Western Balkan education systems could be improved. They include (a) duration of learning in schools,(b) teaching practices, (c) school preparedness, and (d) use of smartphones in schools induced by COVID-related school closures that serve as a major distractor from learning. Based on the analysis, the publication provides policy options and recommendations on advancing the education systems of Western Balkan countries to improve learning outcomes that are critically important for the future well-being of students and the economic development of these countries. JEL: I21, I24, I25, I28, J24, L86, O1, Q01 Keywords: Education, International Learning Assessment, PISA, PIRLS, Learning Analytics, Western Balkans, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia. Table of Contents I. Acknowledgments................................................................................................................... 5 II. Exec

FAQs

What data sources does the publication analyze to assess learning in the Western Balkans?

It analyzes recently published data from the PISA 2022 and PIRLS 2021 studies. The focus is on identifying where education systems can improve.

Which four key areas for improvement are identified?

The study highlights (a) duration of learning in schools, (b) teaching practices, (c) school preparedness, and (d) reduced distractions from smartphone overuse following COVID-related closures.

What does the report provide beyond analysis?

The publication provides policy options and recommendations aimed at advancing Western Balkan education systems to improve learning outcomes.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Bintang