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PISA is a project of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that aims to measure how well students, at age 15, are prepared to meet the challenges they may encounter in future life, including education. PISA takes place every three years and assesses student skills and knowledge in the three domains of reading literacy, mathematics and science. In Ireland, PISA is managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of the Department of Education.
The PISA definition of reading literacy can be summarised as understanding, using, evaluating, reflecting on and engaging with texts in order to achieve one's goals, to develop one's knowledge and potential, and to participate in society.
Mathematical performance, for PISA, measures the mathematical literacy of a 15 year-old to formulate, employ and interpret mathematics in a variety of contexts to describe, predict and explain phenomena, recognising the role that mathematics plays in the world.
Scientific performance, for PISA, measures the scientific literacy of a 15 year-old in the use of scientific knowledge to identify questions, acquire new knowledge, explain scientific phenomena, and draw evidence-based conclusions about science-related issues.
Caution is required interpreting 2022 estimates for Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom as one or more PISA sampling standards were not met.
PIAAC is an international programme of assessment of adult skills and competencies conducted across many countries to compare adults’ capabilities in everyday tasks involving literacy and numeracy. The project is led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and is carried out on a ten-year cycle.
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