New Zealand’s PISA Scores Hit All-time Low
New Zealand’s 15-year-olds have seen a sharp decrease in math, reading, and science in their international test results. The country has reported its lowest-ever scores in the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), reflecting a global trend of declining student academic performance. The PISA tests measure a 15-year-old’s ability to apply their reading, math, and science knowledge and skills to real-life challenges. The latest results show a significant drop in math, science, and reading scores. According to the PISA report, this is a part of an international trend, with 81 countries and economies experiencing lower average scores, partly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PISA assessments are conducted every three years, and the most recent results indicated a substantial decline in math and reading, but stable performance in science. This trend reflects longstanding educational issues that predate the pandemic. It is estimated that 25% of 15-year-olds, totaling 16 million children, are considered low performers in math, reading, and science. However, there is hope for improvement, with the new government in New Zealand signaling potential change. The Minister of Education, Erica Stanford, has committed to implementing significant reforms in the education system by pledging to train all primary teachers in structured literacy, focusing on evidence-based approaches. Reflecting on similar “PISA shock” moments in other countries, it is suggested that urgent attention and reform are needed to address New Zealand’s educational decline over the past 20 years.
