Overview
- The OECD's PISA 2025 results published this week show average scores in reading, mathematics and science at historic lows across many countries, reversing earlier hopes of post‑pandemic recovery.
- Spain recorded its worst results since it began participating, losing roughly 23 points in reading, 16 in mathematics and 8 in science versus 2022, while Estonia is one of the few European systems that remained relatively resilient.
- Several Latin American systems fared poorly: Peru’s 2025 scores fell below 2015 levels with only about 30% reaching minimum math proficiency, Argentina reported very low math outcomes and high rates of recent absenteeism and adolescent paid work, and Mexico remains stagnated near two decades of low scores.
- Analysts and the OECD link declines to multiple, measurable factors: widespread mobile and screen use, lower student effort and concentration, heavy school closures during the pandemic, and large score gaps tied to students’ socioeconomic background and attendance.
- Policy responses are diverging as governments plan remedial programs or change assessment systems; critics warn that Mexico’s teacher‑run internal tests lack external oversight while other countries debate targeted classroom measures such as teacher recruitment, training and focused catch‑up interventions.