Outreach, Reasearch and Development
About
The Outreach, Research and Development (R&D) Unit of the PECTAA plays a central role in strengthening the education system through evidence-based research, large-scale assessments, strategic partnerships, and knowledge dissemination. The Unit focuses on enhancing student learning outcomes through diagnostic research studies /Large-Scale Assessments (LSAs) that identify critical factors affecting student learning outcomes. In line with the Assessment Policy Framework 2019, PECTAA has approved diagnostic research studies to support informed policymaking and continuous system improvement.
To promote knowledge sharing and transparency, the Unit leads initiatives such as the PECTAA quarterly e-Bulletin and the establishment of the “Educational Research Journal of PECTAA“, a biannual publication dedicated to advancing research in curriculum, assessment, and teacher professional development. The Outreach, R&D Unit also spearheads strategic collaborations with national and international organizations to strengthen research capacity, assessment reforms, and professional development. PECTAA Testing Service (PTS) is being established that aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency, and credibility in assessments and testing. Through these efforts, the Unit reinforces PECTAA’s commitment to quality education and public trust. The outreach R & D unit prepare the annual report of PECTAA for onward submission to quarter concern.
PECTAA Quarterly e-Bulletin
The PECTA Authority approved the launch of the PECTAA e-Bulletin to enhance communication and stakeholder engagement. Issued quarterly, the e-Bulletin features concise updates from PECTAA’s all wings, highlighting key activities and initiatives. This initiative aims to strengthen internal coordination and ensure timely information sharing across the organization.
Educational Research Journal of PECTAA
PECTAA’s Outreach, R&D Unit is establishing the “Educational Research Journal of PECTAA”. This biannual publication will advance research in curriculum development, assessment, and teacher professional development, among others. To explore collaborations, PECTAA contacted several organizations. The Outreach, R&D Unit under the guidance of MD Academics, is now finalizing the journal’s structure, operational guidelines, and collaboration efforts with various organizations before the formal launch. This initiative shows PECTAA’s commitment to promoting educational research and enhancing education quality in Punjab.
PECTAA Testing Service
To enhance fairness, transparency, and credibility in assessments and testing, PECTAA is establishing the PECTAA Testing Service (PTS) as a legally mandated, technologically advanced, and psychometrically sound testing body. PTS aims to standardize testing practices across Punjab, strengthen quality assurance, and restore public confidence in assessment systems through the use of modern technology and best psychometric practices.
Collaboration National and International Organizations
To enhance educational quality and teacher professional development, the Outreach, Research, and Development Unit of PECTAA has initiated a formal program to establish strategic collaborations with national and international organizations in the areas of curriculum development, assessment reforms, research, and capacity building. Initial outreach to leading institutions and expanded engagement through official social media platforms received strong interest from multiple organizations such as LUMS, Beaconhouse National University (BNU), Aga Khan University (AKU), Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), and Pakistan Alliance for Math and Science (PAMS). These engagements aim to assess technical expertise and formalize partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
Achivements
- Conduct of Large-Scale Assessment (LSA-2025) Grade 6 & 7.
- Finalization of Findings Reports of Large-Scale Assessment (LSA-2025) Grade 6 & 7
- Conduct of Quality Assurance Tests (QATs) of PEF & PIEMA Partner Schools and Baseline QAT of PSRP Phase-IÂ Schools across the Punjab.
- Review of Results Reports of QATs, 2025.
- Development of School Meal Program (SMP) Baseline Report Phase-I.
- Data Analysis and Report Writing of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) camps 2025
- Review of SMP Report Phase-II.
- Participate in the conduct of merit based online test and interview of HTs, CEOs, DEOs & DDEOs.
Current Activities
A preliminary meeting with LUMS was convened at PECTAA, chaired by MD Academics, Dr. Zubda Zia, to explore potential collaborations aligned with PECTAA’s vision and mission. The meeting, organized by the Outreach, Research & Development Unit, featured a productive discussion with Dr. Faisal Bari (Director Academics, SOE), Dr. Tayyaba Tamim (Dean SOE), and Faryal Shahid (Head of Professional Education) on collaborative opportunities in key areas, including:
– Research and Development
– Assessment
– Continuous Professional Development
– Curriculum Development
– Certification and Licensing