Where to find the data and research instruments from International Large-Scale Assessments (ILSA) in education?

Data from International Large-Scale Assessments in education are readily accessible to a wide range of users. They can be browsed and analyzed using interactive tools, which also allow customized reports and visualizations to be created to meet specific research needs. More advanced analyses, however, require the use of statistical software. 

Unit-level data from the studies conducted by IEA and OECD are publicly available on those organizations’ websites, however they are copyright protected. Downloading the datasets typically requires reading and accepting the terms and conditions of use. Sometimes users may also need to provide contact information for themselves and their institution, and indicate the studies in which they plan to use the data. In some cases, additional forms must be completed. To support the use of these resources, online data browsers have been developed. These tools are easy to navigate and do not require advanced statistical skills. 

International Large-Scale Assessments usually consist of tests, which measure participants’ skills, and questionnaires for gathering contextual information. Questionnaires for different respondent groups (e.g., students, teachers, principals) are typically published and openly available. The test instruments, however, are not publicly accessible, since the studies are conducted in cycles and rely on repeated measures to track trends over time. The only exceptions are sample items, which are published after each cycle and made available in reports and on the study organizers’ websites.

As with the data, the research instruments are the intellectual property of IEA and OECD and are copyright protected. When using these instruments – whether in their source versions or in various language adaptations – additional rules and requirements may apply.