Test to Teach
Findings from the Foundational Learning Action Tracker 2026
Highlights
Foundational learning equips children with the essential literacy, numeracy and socio-emotional skills they need to thrive. Launched in 2023 by UNICEF and the Hempel Foundation, the Foundational Learning Action Tracker (FLAT) monitors countries’ efforts to accelerate foundational learning, anchored on the RAPID Framework.
FLAT 2026 covers 52 African countries with data, including survey data from 37 countries. This year, FLAT places a spotlight on assessments as a system-wide enabler of foundational learning. Among African countries with survey data, about 7 in 10 report using assessment data nationwide for policy and planning, but only about 4 in 10 report using it to inform classroom practices across all schools – highlighting a critical gap in translating evidence into actions that support teaching and learning. FLAT 2026 also finds that while countries continue to adopt policies to support foundational learning, stronger systems must be in place to ensure policies are effectively implemented, sustained and monitored.
