Leaning Tower of Pisa reading assessments

In recent years, international surveys on student performance have gained increased importance in discussions about the quality of education systems. One of the most well-known is the PISA survey (Programme for International Student Assessment), conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the main aspects of the PISA surveys, how they are conducted, who they are intended for, and what the main advantages and disadvantages are. A brief discussion will also be held on domestic indicators, such as reading speed assessments, and how they are used in comparison to PISA.

Conducting the PISA Survey

The PISA survey is held every three years and focuses on 15-year-old students. The last survey was conducted in 2025, but the results are not yet available.  Each cycle emphasizes one subject area – either reading, mathematics, or science – with the other areas being assessed additionally. The tests are mainly computer-based and include both multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions that require justifications. In addition to performance tests, students, teachers, and school administrators answer detailed questionnaires that shed light on the learning environment and social context.

Objectives and Use of Results

PISA is primarily designed as a policy tool for educational authorities. By comparing with other countries, states gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of their own education system and can thus base their decisions on data. School authorities and the academic community also use the results for research and to monitor long-term trends in education.

Performance Assessment and Limitations

The surveys and tests emphasize the ability to apply knowledge in real-life situations. However, they do not measure all the broad skills considered important for students to acquire. Arts, creativity, practical skills, and social interactions fall outside the scope. Furthermore, the focus is only on 15-year-old students and does not reflect the status of other educational levels. Cultural differences may also affect results, for example, how text and examples align with students' experiences.

Cost and Implementation

Participation in PISA involves direct costs for countries, along with substantial preparation in schools. However, the OECD handles most of the implementation, ensuring comparability between countries. Individual schools and teachers may experience stress from conducting the tests and processing the data.

Other Benchmarking Tools

In Iceland, local tests are also used to assess academic performance, such as measuring reading speed and comprehension. Such tests serve as practical tools for teachers to assess the status of individual students and plan support. However, they do not provide as comprehensive a picture as the PISA surveys. Reading speed, for instance, can be high without a student having a deep understanding of the text, and thus does not provide a satisfactory indication of overall reading proficiency.

Standardized Assessment Tests

One of the main performance measurements in Icelandic primary schools are the standardized assessment tests conducted in 4th, 7th, and 9th grades. They cover key areas: mathematics, Icelandic, and also English in the 9th grade. The goal is to provide an overview of students' status at certain stages of education and ensure comparability between schools and municipalities. Results are published at both the school level and for each student, and are used to plan support and develop teaching methods.

Conclusion

The tower in PISA is still leaning - but the reading tower stands fairly upright in that PISA surveys provide important insights into the status of education systems globally and are powerful tools for analyzing long-term development. However, they only measure a part of the skills considered crucial in learning and work. Therefore, it is important to view PISA as an addition to other indicators rather than a sole indicator of success. Local tests, such as reading speed assessments, are useful on the school landscape to support the teaching and learning of individual students, while PISA offers a broader context that benefits authorities and researchers.  The interaction of these various measurements can thus create a more comprehensive picture of the status and development of our education system.

Additional Resources on Performance Measurements

Performance Measurements in Reading - What's Measured?

How Do We Measure Performance in Reading? Icelandic Tests