China’s PISA Results

The results of PISA, which were announced today, draw attention to the success of China (Shanghai), which participated for the first time and received the highest scores: “A 259-page Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development report on the latest Pisa results notes that throughout its history, China has been organized around competitive examinations. ‘Schools work their students long hours every day, and the work weeks extend into the weekends,’ it said.

Chinese students spend less time than American students on athletics, music and other activities not geared toward success on exams in core subjects. Also, in recent years, teaching has rapidly climbed up the ladder of preferred occupations in China, and salaries have risen. In Shanghai, the authorities have undertaken important curricular reforms, and educators have been given more freedom to experiment.”

Read the complete New York Times article here.