The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is an international assessment of the skills and knowledge of 15-year olds. The study is being directed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and involves over 40 countries. As the study will be repeated in other years, it will continue to produce timely results on students that can be compared internationally.
The assessment covers three domains: reading, mathematics, and science. Although each assessment has questions from all three domains, the focus shifts with each assessment. In 2000, the focus was on reading. In the April-May 2003 administration, the focus was on mathematics, and in 2006 it will be on science. In 2003, an assessment of problem-solving skills was also conducted.
In Canada, the first PISA assessment took place in April and May 2000 at the same time as the Youth in Transition Survey (YITS) for youth aged 15. The second assessment was conducted in 2003.
In Canada, PISA is being carried out through a partnership of the following organizations: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Statistics Canada and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC). All ten provinces participate.
Who is participating?
Although the samples in most countries are between 4,000 and 10,000 students, in Canada, over 28,000 students are tested, which allows results to be produced at the provincial level.
The survey includes a two-hour written test to assess the student’s knowledge in reading, mathematics, science and problem solving and a 30-minute questionnaire that collects background information on the student. The Youth in Transition Survey, being conducted at the same time, takes 30 minutes.
How were students selected?
About 1,000 schools across Canada were randomly selected to participate in PISA and YITS. In these schools, a random selection was made of 15-year-old students to determine who will participate.
Is the information gathered confidential?
Under the authority of the Statistics Act, information obtained by Statistics Canada is kept strictly confidential. When results are available, Statistics Canada is forbidden to release information that identifies any person or his or her household.
How is the information used?
Because PISA is an international study involving over 40 countries, it provides a unique examination of the levels of achievement of 15-year-olds around the world. It gives clear indication of the preparedness of these students as they continue in their studies and enter the work force. It is able to address questions such as:
- How well are young adults prepared to meet the challenges of the future?
- Are they able to analyze, reason and communicate their ideas effectively?
- Are some kinds of school policies and practices more effective than others?
Results from PISA are invaluable to educators, social policy analysts, and advocacy groups. These researchers and analysts have access to important information that can be used in developing programs to deal with both short-term and long-term problems or barriers that young adults may face in their pursuit of higher education or in gaining work experience. Information from the survey helps to evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs and practices, to determine the most appropriate age at which to introduce programs, and to better target programs to those most in need.
Young adults themselves are able to see how their own experiences compare to those of other young adults.
How do I find survey results?
The OECD released an international report in the fall of 2001. A Canadian report, Measuring Up: The performance of Canada's youth in reading, mathematics and science — First Results for Canadians aged 15 can be found at http://www.cmec.ca/pisa/2000/indexe.stm.
The 2003 international report is available on the OECD Web site. The 2003 Canadian report: Measuring Up: Canadian Results of the OECD PISA Study. The performance of Canada's Youth in Mathematics, Reading, Science and Problem Solving - 2003 First Findings for Canadians Aged 15 can be found at http://www.cmec.ca/pisa/2003/indexe.stm
If I want more information about PISA, where can I find it?
Additional information is available on the PISA Canada Web site at http://www.pisa.gc.ca.
For more information: PISA
