The Impact of PISA-Style Formative Assessments on the Critical Reading Literacy of Senior High School Students in Dolores National High School
Abstract
This study examined the effectiveness of integrating Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)-style formative assessments into the Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century (TNCT) course to enhance the critical reading literacy of Senior High School students at Dolores National High School during the academic year 2025–2026. Anchored in the PISA reading literacy framework and formative assessment principles, the study employed a quantitative quasi-experimental pretest–post-test design involving 79 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students, comprising 41 experimental and 38 control participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed, validated 50-item Critical Reading Literacy Assessment measuring locating information, understanding and interpreting, and reflecting and evaluating. The intervention incorporated authentic reading materials, including infographics, data matrices, and contrasting policy texts, supported by continuous diagnostic feedback. Results showed that the experimental group's overall mean score increased from 20.8 to 38.8, compared with 20.5 to 21.1 in the control group, with a statistically significant post-intervention difference reported (p < 0.01). Improvements were observed across locating information (+5.05), understanding and interpreting (approximately +7.10), and reflecting and evaluating (+6.05). The findings indicated that PISA-style formative assessments were associated with substantial improvements in higher-order critical reading competencies. The study recommended integrating diagnostic feedback, authentic assessment tasks, and structured instructional resources into TNCT instruction. The findings support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, Quality Education, and relate to SDG 16, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, through the development of critical literacy and evidence-based reasoning. The study contributes to educational sustainability by informing continuous instructional improvement, institutional assessment practices, and the development of students' analytical competencies for informed civic participation.