Finland once again takes the number one spot in OECD’s three-yearly PISA test of the abilities of a sample of 15-year old secondary-school students, followed by Hong Kong (China) and Canada in second and third place while Ireland got a 15th place, according to advance details of results that will be published in full next week.

The PISA survey, based on tests carried out in 2006 in 57 countries that together account for nearly 90% of world GDP, is the most comprehensive and rigorous international yardstick of secondary-school students’ attainments. After focusing in 2000 on reading skills and in 2003 on mathematics, PISA 2006 tested students on how much they knew about science and their ability to use scientific knowledge and understanding to identify and address questions and resolve problems in daily life.

Comparisons between the results of the 2006 tests and those of previous years are not strictly valid, as the nature of the tests varied. Full PISA results will be published on Tuesday 4 December 2007; advance details are being made available following the publication by a Spanish magazine of partial leaked figures.

Commenting on the PISA survey, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría noted that it is a tool to assist governments in their policy choices on education. “In today’s competitive global economy, quality education is one of the most valuable assets that a society and an individual can have,” he said.

In that context, he added, “PISA is much more than just a ranking. It is about how well individual education systems are equipping their young people for the world of tomorrow. First and foremost, it tells countries where their strengths and weaknesses lie.” …

Source: FinFacts Ireland, Ireland
http://www.finfacts.com/irelandbusinessnews/publish/article_1011958.shtml