Background to the study

This is the Zimbabwe National Report of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) Reading Literacy Research Study which was undertaken between 1989 and 1992. Zimbabwe tested the literacy skill at the Population B level, which was the 14-year old or Junior Certificate level, in 192 schools selected from all the nine regions of the country. Data was received and successfully processed from 143 schools and over 2 (XX) students. In the first chapter, we spell out the aims and objectives of the study; give a definition of literacy; discuss the historical background to the Zimbabwean education system and the educational commitments done after 1980. The need for research in reading at various education levels is discussed and the link between education and development is focused on to show that the educational research and implementation of whatever good ideas come out of it, eventually have a positive impact on the country's development. A literature review of the research done before this study is also undertaken.