Since its establishment, INVALSI had the task of preparing and carrying out periodic and systematic checks on the learning outcomes of Italian students (the INVALSI national tests), and of periodically managing Italian participation in international surveys.
The amount of data collected is processed in order to trace a history of students' skills and knowledge and acts as a valid tool for improving the evaluation activities of individual schools and the whole school system.
This volume is the result of a collection of the research works presented during the days of the "V Seminar INVALSI data: a tool for teaching and scientific research - Rome, 25th - 28th February 2021" and provides an example of the use of the data disclosed by the Institute.
As a Statistical Service we hope that the works collected in the volume are the basis for new reflections and a solid example of how the data released by INVALSI allow for quality research within the school context, whose goal has always been to improve students' skills.

Patrizia Falzetti is Head of the INVALSI Statistical Service, which manages the acquisition, analysis and return of data concerning national and international surveys on learning to individual schools, stakeholders and the scientific community.