Consultancy for Conducting Item Response Theory (IRT) Analysis

2. Objectives of the Consultancy

The primaryobjectiveof this consultancy is to:

Conduct an Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis on the 2024 Learning Assessment datasetsand generate psychometrically sound scaled scores and item-level statisticstodeterminestudentproficiencythresholdsin alignment withtheproficiencystandards ofthe Global Proficiency Framework (GPF);

UtiliseIRT-scaled scores andconductthe correlational (bivariate) analysis between learning performance and school/student demographic factors such as gender socioeconomic status schoollocation.

Integrate the IRTand correlationalanalysis results (graphs tables interpretations) into the overall 2024 Learning Assessment Report and the eight partner-specific reports ensuring coherence andclarity;

To assess the degree of comparability between the 2022 baseline learning assessment and the 2024 assessment and to conduct comparative analyses wherefeasible.

Finalisetheoverallassessmentreportand eight partner-specificreports based on feedbackfromtheSenior Management Team andtheSPEL Department. 3. Expected Deliverables and Duration
Deliverables Description Duration
1. Initial Review - Review the 2024 Learning Assessment design sampling framework and data collection tools (literacy and numeracy).
- Review the existing datasets and the first draft of the overall and partner-specific reports.
- Identify any gaps or inconsistencies relevant to IRT analysis (e.g. coding structure missing data scoring schemes). 2 days
2. Prepare the Datasets for IRT modeling and Conduct IRT Analysis - Prepare datasets for IRT modeling including item recoding missing data handling and variable formatting.
- Ensure data is structured for Rasch or 2PL/3PL model processing using appropriate statistical software (e.g. R Stata or Winsteps).
- Conduct estimation of item difficulty discrimination and ability parameters and evaluate model fit reliability and personitem interactions.
4 days
4. Generate Analysis Outputs and Interpretation - Produce IRT analysis outputs including:
o Itemperson map (Wright map)
o Mean scaled scores by grade gender and partner to determine student proficiency thresholds in alignment with the proficiency standards of the Global Proficiency Framework (GPF) (graphs tables interpretations)
o Correlational analysis results (graphs tables interpretations)
o Comparative analysis between the 2022 baseline learning assessment and the 2024 assessment
- Interpret results to show trends in proficiency levels item difficulty hierarchy and partner comparisons. 4 days
5. Editing and Integration into Reports - Revise the Overall Learning Assessment Report and eight partner-specific reports by incorporating IRT findings graphs and interpretations.
- Ensure consistency between narrative sections tables and annexed analysis outputs.
- Improve clarity formatting and coherence of analytical sections where necessary.
5 days
6. Feedback Incorporation and Reports Finalisation - Present key findings and draft revised reports to the Senior Management Team (SMT).
- Incorporate feedback and finalise all deliverables (overall and partner reports analysis annexes and clean datasets). 2 days

4. Timeframe

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 17 working days by beginning of March 2026 including feedback incorporation and final submission. The exact duration and level of effort may be further discussed and agreed upon during the contract agreement stage subject to mutual agreement.

Total days of work: 17 days
-Estimated Commencement Date: 11 February 2026
-Estimated End Date: 6 March 2026

5. Reporting
The consultant will report directly to the SPEL Director with the EIM Manager copied. The SPEL department will provide access to datasets existing reports and assessment tools as well as necessary explanations on the learning assessment survey process.

6. Location and official travel involved
The consultant will work remotely for all consultation meetings and deliverables.

7. Experience and skill set required

Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Education Measurement Statistics Psychometrics or Quantitative Social Science.
Proven experience (minimum 5 years) conducting Item Response Theory (IRT) or Rasch analysis for education assessments.
Strong proficiency in statistical software for IRT (R ACER ConQuest Stata Winsteps IRTPRO or equivalent).
Experience in education sector assessments preferably early grade literacy and numeracy as well as experience in applying the Global Proficiency Framework (GPF)
Excellent report-writing and data visualisation skills.

8. Payment Schedule
Total cost payable within 30 days of satisfactory completion of deliverables according to the following schedule. Please propose the budget proposal in lumpsum with a breakdown for the daily rate consultant(s) including the travel and accommodations.

30% upon submission of inception summary and contract signing;
40% upon submission of IRT analysis results and draft revised reports;
30% upon submission and approval of final deliverables.

9. Payment Conditions
Any revenue occurring in Thailand is subject to withholding tax. If you are a Thai citizen and or having a Thai work permit and or residing for over 180 days then a 3% withholding tax will be applied.
If not a 15% withholding tax will be applied for a non-Thai citizen residing in Thailand less than 180 days.
If you are using an international bank account (apart from Thai and Myanmar) no withholding tax deduction will be applied and you will be responsible for any applicable tax in your own country.
Any transfer from USD to THB and or MMK will use the exchange rate from our system on the transfer date.

10. Ethical Considerations and Data Confidentiality
The consultant must maintain ethical standards and data confidentiality. All data and reports remain the property of our program and cannot be shared or published without written consent.

11. Application Process
Interested and qualified individuals are requested to send by 2 February 2026 at 17:00 hrs a Technical Proposal including their Curriculum Vitae and a Financial Proposal to
The subject of the email should be Consultancy for Learning Assessment IRT Analysis and Reporting with your fully work-related reference documentations.
Applicants are also requested to mention in the applications if there are blood/marriage relationships with the existing employees. No requirement of photo or copy of certificates and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.