We determined the countries that excel in terms of educational achievement and intelligence based on the PISA test scores.
What Is PISA?
The OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a global study that began in 2000.
It aims to assess and compare participating countries’ education systems by testing students’ skills and knowledge.
How Is PISA Conducted
Every three years, a random group of fifteen-year-olds are evaluated in key subjects such as reading, mathematics, and science.
What makes PISA unique is that it creates tests that are not directly related to the school curriculum. It also provides context through background questionnaires, which help analysts interpret the results.
How Is PISA Conducted
These tests are designed to measure students’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-life situations and be active participants in society upon completing compulsory education.
Test Results Are In
600,000 15-year-old students in 79 countries participated in PISA in 2018, which had to be postponed in 2021 due to the pandemic.
Here are the most recent mean scores available from the 2018 cohort in reading, mathematics, and science:
27. Austria
Reading: 484
Mathematics: 499
Science: 490
Total score: 1,473
26. Portugal
Reading: 492
Mathematics: 492
Science: 492
Total score: 1,476
25. France
Reading: 493
Mathematics: 495
Science: 493
Total score: 1,481
24. United States
Reading: 505
Mathematics: 478
Science: 502
Total score: 1,485
23. Czech Republic
Reading: 490
Mathematics: 499
Science: 497
Total score: 1,486
22. Norway
Reading: 499
Mathematics: 501
Science: 490
Total score: 1,490
21. Switzerland
Reading: 484
Mathematics: 515
Science: 495
Total score: 1,494
20. Belgium
Reading: 493
Mathematics: 508
Science: 499
Total score: 1,500
19. Germany
Reading: 498
Mathematics: 500
Science: 503
Total score: 1,501
18. Denmark
Reading: 501
Mathematics: 509
Science: 493
Total score: 1,503
17. Netherlands
Reading: 485
Mathematics: 519
Science: 503
Total score: 1,507
16. Sweden
Reading: 506
Mathematics: 502
Science: 499
Total score: 1,507
15. New Zealand
Reading: 506
Mathematics: 494
Science: 508
Total score: 1,508
14. Slovenia
Reading: 495
Mathematics: 509
Science: 507
Total score: 1,511
13. United Kingdom
Reading: 504
Mathematics: 502
Science: 505
Total score: 1,511
12. Ireland
Reading: 518
Mathematics: 500
Science: 496
Total score: 1,514
11. Poland
Reading: 512
Mathematics: 516
Science: 511
Total score: 1,539
10. Finland
Reading: 520
Mathematics: 507
Science: 522
Total score: 1,549
9. Chinese Taipei
Reading: 503
Mathematics: 531
Science: 516
Total score: 1,550
8. Canada
Reading: 520
Mathematics: 512
Science: 518
Total score: 1,550
7. Korea
Reading: 514
Mathematics: 526
Science: 519
Total score: 1,559
6. Japan
Reading: 504
Mathematics: 527
Science: 529
Total score: 1,560
5. Estonia
Reading: 523
Mathematics: 523
Science: 530
Total score: 1,576
4. Hong Kong (China)
Reading: 524
Mathematics: 551
Science: 517
Total score: 1,592
3. Macao (China)
Reading: 525
Mathematics: 558
Science: 544
Total score: 1,627
2. Singapore
Reading: 549
Mathematics: 569
Science: 551
Total score: 1,669
1. B-S-J-Z (China)
Reading: 555
Mathematics: 591
Science: 590
Total score: 1,736
Preparing Students For Real Life
In short, PISA is a comprehensive assessment tool that aims to provide insight into the effectiveness of education systems worldwide and prepare students for real-world challenges.
PISA offers only a limited perspective on a country’s intelligence, as it fails to consider crucial factors like innovation, creativity, and social intelligence.
The Importance Of PISA
However, PISA plays a vital role in ensuring that our future generations are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in a globalized society. So, it is important to continue supporting and participating in this assessment process to drive improvements in education globally.
Notable Results
Mean mathematics and science test scores were above average for the Czech Republic, Netherlands, and Switzerland, but their mean score for reading was not significantly different than the OECD average.
Notable Results
The U.S. mean mathematical performance was below the OECD average, but their reading and science scores helped them make the list of the top-performing countries.
Austria, Latvia, and Iceland also maintained mean mathematic scores above the OECD average.
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This article was produced by TPR Teaching.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.