Every three years, 15-year-old students around the world are surveyed in order to assess the state of different education systems as well as to assess students’ preparation to fully participate in society. This survey is conducted by OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).
Here is a video discussing what PISA is, how it works, and some key findings from the last PISA survey in 2009 (if you want to get right to the findings fast forward to 7:06):
There are a lot of findings from the last PISA survey that are beneficial for educators to be aware of and take into account as they are planning for the upcoming school year:
1. School systems that invest in teaching students to learn subjects well the first time performed better on PISA than schools that continued to drill struggling students year after year.
Takeaway: Prevention is always more effective than intervention. Solid and thorough curriculum is essential for kindergarten and first grade classes.
2. Early tracking does not lead to better school performance; it tends to lead to greater inequality among students. In fact, if given the opportunity and support to excel, every student has the potential to excel. Successful education systems believe that ALL students can achieve at high levels.
Takeaway: Don’t decide on a student's potential or strengths too early in their education. Let each student explore their interests and provide students with equal opportunities whenever possible. When students are struggling, look at the school as a whole and see what could be changed to enhance the learning of struggling students. It may be the curriculum or teaching approach that is ineffective, and not simply student ability.
3. Girls outperformed boys on reading assessments in every country that participated in PISA. In many countries girls performed on the reading assessments as though they had had an extra year of reading instruction over their male counterparts.
Takeaway: Make an extra effort to interest boys in reading. Choose reading material that appeals to both the boys and girls in your classroom.
4. Home background has a major impact on student success. Children from advantaged homes typically know 30 million more words than their more disadvantaged peers.
Takeaway: Early learning and parental involvement greatly influence education success. Encourage parents to get involved in their child’s education.
5. Successful education systems make education a priority and VALUE and invest in the profession of teaching.
Takeaway: For education systems to thrive, teachers, and education in general, need to be highly valued.
Learn more about PISA at: www.PISA.OECD.org
Good luck on the upcoming school year! We would love to hear any of your thoughts or opinions on what makes students thrive!
