PISA 2022 tested nearly 700,000 15-year-old students in 81 OECD Member countries and partner economies on mathematics, reading and science.
This edition, with a focus on maths, was also the first to collect data on student performance, well-being and equity before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, on average, the PISA 2022 assessment saw an unprecedented drop in performance across the OECD. Compared to 2018, mean performance fell by 10 score points in reading and by almost 15 score points in maths.
The sharp decline in maths performance is three times greater than any previous consecutive change, and particularly significant in countries such as Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands*, Norway and Poland, which all saw a drop of 25 score points or more in maths between 2018 and 2022.
The decline in performance can only partially be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, with falling scores in reading science and maths already apparent prior to 2018.
“Since its launch in 2000, PISA has proven an effective catalyst for reform to boost the quality and impact of education systems around the world. It is a powerful tool that policymakers can use to ensure their education systems are as effective as they can be. Education and skills are fundamental to ensuring young people have the best possible opportunities to develop, to adapt to a rapidly changing world, to contribute, to participate, to get ahead and yes to benefit from the opportunities in front of them in our economies and societies,” OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said launching the report in Paris. “PISA 2022 helps to identify the comparative strengths of education systems that have performed well despite recent shocks. This enables policymakers across the 81 participating countries and economies to rely on these insights, adapting them to their particular circumstances as required and pursue reforms to education systems for a brighter, more prosperous future.”
Read more on the website of the OECD
Read Sweden's Country Note
