Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2006 test results were released today. The PISA assessed science and mathematics literacy of 15-year-old students from 30 OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) jurisdictions/nations.
Science
“Results show that the average score for U.S. students in science literacy was lower than the average of other OECD countries (489 vs. 500). Compared to the 29 other OECD countries, the United States scored lower, on average, than 16 OECD countries, not significantly different from 8, and higher than 5.”
Verdict: bad
Mathematics
“The U.S. average score in mathematics literacy (474) was lower than the OECD average (498). … In mathematics literacy, U.S. students scored lower than their peers in 23 OECD countries, not significantly different from their peers in 2, and higher than their peers in 4.”
Verdict: really bad
