North Macedonia education faces crisis following PISA results

Recent PISA test results have highlighted significant challenges within the North Macedonian education system. Data indicates that only 26% of students in the country demonstrate reading comprehension skills, raising concerns about whether students are acquiring functional knowledge and critical thinking abilities necessary for the 21st century.

Experts suggest the crisis is rooted in deep-seated systemic issues, including a lack of continuity in educational policy. The tendency for new political administrations to replace existing programs and personnel often erases professional institutional memory, leading to the repetition of past mistakes. Additionally, the impact of mobile technology on student concentration is identified as a major hurdle to effective learning.

Discussions emphasize that the education system must move beyond rote memorization and grade-oriented learning toward fostering independent, critical thinkers. Addressing these issues requires a national approach that prioritizes professional expertise over political affiliation and implements rules to protect classroom attention from digital distractions.