International comparative studies provide important information on the state of education throughout the world. The following are a few of the many international studies conducted by national and international organizations.
International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS)
An international comparative study about the literary and numeracy skills of adults. (PDF format)
IEA Civics Education Study (CivEd)
A study which examines the ways in which young people are prepared to undertake their role as citizens in democracies in 28 countries.
A report which includes comprehensive, detailed data on international students and scholars in the United States and on American students who study abroad.
International Indicators of Education Systems Project (INES)
A project aimed at developing a system of indicators for cross-national comparisons in education.
Modern Language Association Survey
A survey of foreign language course registration in United States institutions of higher education.
Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)
An international comparison of the mathematics and science achievement of students at the, fourth, eighth, and U.S. twelfth-grade levels.
Program for International Student Assessment (PISA)
An international assessment of reading, mathematical and scientific literacy achievement of 15-year-olds.
Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS)
An international assessment of reading literacy achievement of fourth-grade students in 40 countries.
A study on the international education activities of foreign countries.
Second Information Technology in Education Study (SITES)
A study describing the introduction and use of computers in education systems around the world.