# PISA assessment results in Latin America > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pisa-assessment-results-in-latin-america > Updated: 2026-09-13T04:41:12.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 2. Recent PISA assessment results have triggered significant debate regarding educational quality and economic preparedness in the Dominican Republic and El Salvador. In the Dominican Republic, discussions have centered on structural weaknesses and the effectiveness of budget management. While the Ministry of Education managed approximately RD$2.2 trillion between 2015 and 2025, critics argue that spending is disproportionately directed toward salaries and operational expenses rather than classroom quality. Antonio Ciriaco, administrative vice-rector of the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), warned that the nation is unprepared for a knowledge-based economy, noting that over 75% of Dominican students over age 15 perform below average in mathematics, reading, and science. In El Salvador, the PISA 2025 data highlighted gender disparities, with female students outperforming males in reading comprehension and males scoring higher in mathematics. Although overall averages in reading and mathematics remained stable compared to 2022, the report noted a high rate of “rushed responses” in reading that exceeds the OECD average. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: PISA results highlight educational gaps in Dominican Republic and El Salvador PISA results highlight educational challenges in the Dominican Republic and El Salvador, revealing low competency levels in the DR and significant gender gaps in reading and math in El Salvador. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonio-ciriaco-warns-education-ministry-merger-wont-fix-quality-issues ### 2026-09-10: Dominican Republic education faces scrutiny following PISA results PISA results in the Dominican Republic have triggered debates over educational quality, budget management of RD$2.2 trillion, and the need for structural reforms, while Mexico's University of Colima reports on. 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/isfodosu-rector-proposes-educational-reforms-and-warns-of-political-clientelism --- Cite as: PISA assessment results in Latin America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pisa-assessment-results-in-latin-america