El Salvador educational pilot shows results comparable to Germany and Sweden

The World Bank has described the results of a pilot educational modernization program in El Salvador as “promising and encouraging.” A PISA for Schools evaluation conducted in June analyzed 171 public schools and 1,198 volunteer students. The findings indicated that results in reading, mathematics, and science were above the national average and comparable to the 2022 PISA averages of Germany and Sweden.

The modernization model integrates teacher training, scientific evidence-based learning, and the use of technology, including artificial intelligence and AI tutors. President Nayib Bukele stated that the program has already expanded to more than 1,000 schools and aims to be implemented in all public institutions within 18 months.

While the results are positive, the World Bank clarified that the data represents the pilot group and does not reflect the entire Salvadoran educational system. A broader perspective on national performance is expected following the publication of PISA 2025 results.