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 can 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.
