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Global PISA results show widespread decline in performance

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2026-09-11 11:01 UTC → 2026-09-11 16:36 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The 2025 PISA results confirm a global decline in student performance, particularly in reading and mathematics. While Asian regions like Singapore and Chinese territories continue to lead, many OECD nations face significant setbacks. In Europe, Germany has reached historical lows in mathematics, reading, and ~~science. New data indicates that~~ science, with educational success ~~in Germany is heavily dependent on socioeconomic status, with~~ showing a correlation to socioeconomic status stronger than the OECD average. German education unions, such as GEW, have criticized proposed federal budget cuts, arguing that reduced funding threatens the country’s future. In Spain, student performance in all three core areas has fallen below the OECD average, ~~with an increase in students possessing weak skills since 2015. Conversely,~~ while the school system in South Tyrol reported results significantly above the ~~OECD~~ average. ~~In Croatia, results were mixed; despite slight improvements~~ Finland is also experiencing a decline, particularly in ~~science, reading,~~ literacy skills. Experts attribute this to the impact of digital devices on concentration, language proficiency challenges among immigrant students, and ~~mathematics rankings,~~ difficulties with the inclusion model. In response, there are calls for increased resources and a ~~significant portion~~ return to printed learning materials to improve focus. Sweden is facing an education crisis, with approximately 31 percent of ~~students still fail~~ 15-year-olds failing to reach basic ~~competency, including 42 percent of boys and 21 percent~~ levels of ~~girls in~~ reading ~~literacy.~~ comprehension—a loss of 21 points since 2022. Critics suggest the system prioritizes passing grades over actual knowledge retention, leaving high schools to address foundational gaps. Technological influence remains a central concern. Data shows a correlation between frequent AI usage and lower academic performance; students using AI chatbots daily for homework scored an average of 481 points in science, compared to 509 points for those who use them rarely. OECD Director Andreas Schleicher warned that using AI as a shortcut rather than a tool for deeper thinking could undermine learning. In Slovenia, following results showing students reaching their lowest levels in mathematics and reading, the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth has announced a major reform to abolish the nine-year primary school system, planning to return to a restructured eight-year system by the 2028/2029 school year. In Sweden, the results indicate a crisis in reading comprehension, with approximately 31 percent of 15-year-olds failing to reach basic levels.

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