New Data Shows Less Than Half of Belizean Children Can Read at Standard 4 Level

One of the most critical revelations from today’s launch of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS7) centers on the foundational learning abilities of Belizean children. According to the Statistical Institute of Belize, fewer than half of children ages 7 to 14 demonstrated proficiency in foundational reading skills when tested using a Standard 4 level assessment.

The national passing rate stood at just 45 percent, signaling widespread learning challenges across the country. Even more concerning is the performance in the Toledo District, which recorded the lowest proficiency rate at only 24.7 percent.

Dr. Leopold Perriott , National MICS Consultant, UNICEF: “The idea was to test the children to see if they can complete at least three reading tasks. So they’re given things to read, to comprehend. Can they do that? If they can do three reading tasks, that’s what we’re measuring here. So for the reading, there’s a reading and then there’s reading numerical. So at the national level, 42.6%., and incidentally, this is given to students who basically should have completed standard four. That’s age 10 in Belize. Okay? So these are children who… well the test were geared for children at the standard four level and it’s about 10 years old under our system. And it’s a matter of reading a paragraph, 90% correct, get all the words 90% correct to understand a sentence to infer things of a sort. And so only for the 42.6% for children pass the reading tests. Okay? Urban is 50.7. It’s kind of shocking to me anyway. Rural is 37.5.”

Foundational numeracy skills showed a slightly better outcome, with the national average reaching 50 percent. However, the Toledo District once again ranked lowest, with a score of just 14.5 percent, highlighting persistent educational disparities that require urgent intervention.  Education officials say the MICS7 findings underscore the need for strengthened literacy programs, targeted support for struggling districts, improved teacher training, and increased investments in early education. The data is expected to inform national strategies designed to boost learning outcomes and ensure that every Belizean child gains the essential skills needed for academic and lifelong success./