PISA is an international study that was launched by the OECD in 1997. It aims to evaluate education systems worldwide every three years by assessing 15-year-olds' competencies in the key subjects: reading, mathematics and science. To date over 70 countries and economies have participated in PISA.
PISA: Measuring student success around the world
What do students expect to do after finishing upper secondary school?
In 21 countries and economies, students were asked what their expected highest level of educational attainment would be. The students who expect to complete university education perform significantly better in mathematics and reading than students who do not expect to complete that level of education. However, while performance on PISA tends to be associated with educational expectations, the data also show that not all 15-year-olds with advanced knowledge and skills aspire to high levels of further education and not all 15-year-olds who aspire to a university degree possess the knowledge and skills needed to pursue such pathways successfully.
Find out more in this latest edition of PISA in Focus.
What students know and what they can do
Singapore: Building a strong and effective teaching force
The PISA 2009 assessment was taken by students in 65 economies worldwide. Aside from providing global rankings, analysts were able to find out which educational systems are offering students the best training for entering the workforce of tomorrow, and why.
A strong education system has enabled Singapore to develop a modern vibrant economy. Well trained and highly motivated teachers are central to its success.