2012 PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) Results: Why We Should Care About International Comparisons

Session Type: Invited Session

Abstract

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) assesses the extent to which 15-year-old students have acquired key knowledge and skills that are essential for full participation in modern societies. The assessment, which focuses on reading, mathematics, science and problem-solving, does not just ascertain whether students can reproduce what they have learned; it also examines how well they can extrapolate from what they have learned and apply that knowledge in unfamiliar settings, both in and outside of school. This approach reflects the fact that modern societies reward individuals not for what they know, but for what they can do with what they know. Andreas Schleicher, the Deputy Director for Education and Skills and Special Advisor on Education Policy to the OECD's Secretary-General will present the 2012 PISA results for 28 million 15 years olds in 65 participating countries.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Martin Carnoy, Stanford University

Participants

• William H. Schmidt, Michigan State University

• Henry M. Levin, Teachers College, Columbia University

Presenter

• Andreas Schleicher, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development