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Global PISA results show widespread decline in performance

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2026-10-22 13:22 UTC → 2026-10-26 03:58 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The 2025 PISA results confirm a global decline in student performance, particularly in reading and mathematics. OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann attributed the drop in teenage reading proficiency to increased screen time and reduced reading for pleasure. While the United States has gained relative standing due to faster deterioration in other nations, American students are also learning less than in previous years. ~~However, the OECD has advised caution regarding U.S. data, noting that technical non-compliance in sample collection may introduce reporting biases.~~ In Europe, the decline is widespread. Germany faces a historic crisis, with students reaching record lows in core ~~competencies and 20 percent of OECD~~ competencies. Recent data shows German 15-year-olds ~~now classified as low-performing in all three core areas. In Switzerland, reading and math scores~~ have ~~hit~~ reached their lowest recorded levels ~~since PISA began. Portugal has also seen significant drops~~ in ~~reading~~ reading, mathematics, and ~~mathematics.~~ science, with performance declining steadily since 2010. In France, math and reading scores fell sharply, ~~though analysts note this decline predates~~ with mathematics scores dropping nearly 30 points since 2018. Luxembourg has also seen a downward trend in reading comprehension. The European Commission noted that the ~~smartphone era. Spain and~~ EU is moving further away from its 2030 goals, as the ~~Basque Country report declining rigor and literacy, while Cyprus shows high rates~~ proportion of ~~low performance, particularly among local~~ high-performing students ~~compared~~ continues to ~~those with migratory backgrounds. Malta faces scrutiny over declining scores and resource shortages.~~ decrease. In Latin America, a severe crisis persists. ~~A World Bank report indicates~~ In the 13 participating countries, 76 percent of secondary students ~~in the region~~ fail to reach minimum math proficiency. Specific declines were noted in Argentina, ~~Chile,~~ where a disconnect between high enrollment and ~~Peru, while Paraguay reported catastrophic reading comprehension results.~~ actual learning has seen the percentage of students meeting proficiency benchmarks drop from 26 percent in 2009 to 19 percent in 2025. In Chile, performance remains below the OECD average, exacerbated by socioeconomic gaps. In the Dominican Republic, only 9 percent of students reach minimum mathematics competency. In Asia, China continues to lead in science and ~~mathematics, though results are based on specific provinces.~~ mathematics. Global data highlights a persistent link between socioeconomic status and academic success, alongside concerns regarding teacher shortages, digital distractions, and the impact of AI on critical thinking.

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