What are the target age groups for PIRLS?

The correct answer is focused on fourth-grade students, generally around age 10, as this is the specific target age group for the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS). This assessment is designed to measure the reading comprehension and literacy skills of students in their early years of education, particularly as they transition from learning to read to reading to learn.

PIRLS targets the fourth grade because this stage is critical in a child's educational journey, where reading skills become essential for further learning across various subjects. The study provides valuable insights into how effectively students understand and engage with text, which is essential for their academic success.

The other options represent different age groups that do not align with PIRLS. Kindergarten students typically focus on foundational skills and are not assessed in this study. Eighth-grade students are assessed under different frameworks, such as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), which considers broader content areas than just reading. High school students represent an age group that is not the focus of PIRLS, as the study emphasizes literacy at the younger stage of academic development.