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OECD and Pearson Foundation Present "Strong Performers and Successful Reformers in Education" as PISA Results are Announced in Washington, DC; Cites Innovations in Shanghai, Ontario, Poland, and Finland
OECD and Pearson Foundation Present "Strong Performers and Successful Reformers in Education" as PISA Results are Announced in Washington, DC; Cites Innovations in Shanghai, Ontario, Poland, and Finland
Published 12-07-10
Submitted by Pearson Foundation
In conjunction with the release of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results today, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Pearson Foundation announced a new series of investigative films that document successful education initiatives currently improving student learning in classrooms around the world. "Strong Performers and Successful Reformers in Education" profiles local policies and programs that local education leaders credit with improving student achievement - success documented by their country's strong performance in the latest PISA assessment. Each story of educational innovation presents concrete solutions that have helped a high-quality education system teach the skills its students need to succeed in an increasingly global, inter-connected economy.
Screening of two of the four initial films from the "Strong Performers and Successful Reformers in Education" series took place this morning in advance of formal release of the PISA results. OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria joined U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to announce the standing of U.S. students in reading, math and science literacy compared to other countries around the world. The event was part of the "Education for Innovation" live digital town hall meeting held at the Newseum in Washington, DC.
Each "Strong Performers and Successful Reformers" video is introduced by Andreas Schleicher, Head of the Indicators and Analysis Division at the OECD's Directorate for Education, and presents a specific ambition that has recently had direct impact on a country's continued strong performance or improvement in PISA. The first set of films provides an in-depth look at innovative collaborations among education officials, teachers, and students in Shanghai, China; Ontario, Canada; Poland; and Finland. This collection will be extended as additional country profiles are added to the program's website throughout 2011. In addition, OECD and the Pearson Foundation will host a series of country-level investigations beginning next year in which education leaders will have the opportunity to share approaches and learn first-hand from the success of their international counterparts.
"The videos provide a fascinating look behind the PISA data, and they document insights into the policies and practices that underpin strong performers and successful reformers in education," said Schleicher. "Together, they help share methods with the potential to improve student success not just locally, but in classrooms around the world."
"As OECD's PISA makes clear, students across the globe are benefiting from innovative, direct approaches to educational change," said Mark Nieker, President of the Pearson Foundation. "The 'Strong Performers and Successful Reformers' video series is one way that educators can learn from - and ideally be in inspired by - the broad range of successful practice making a difference today in global classrooms."
The films can be viewed online at http://www.pearsonfoundation.org/oecd/ and copies may be obtained from the OECD.
ABOUT THE PISA TOP-PERFORMERS SHOWCASED IN THE VIDEO SERIES: "STRONG PERFORMERS AND SUCCESSFUL REFORMERS IN EDUCATION"
About the OECD
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) works with governments on education policy and in many other areas in order to help them to develop policies that will improve the lives of citizens around the world. As an intergovernmental organization, the OECD provides a forum in which countries can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems. Its 34 member countries span the globe, from North and South America to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The OECD also works closely with emerging giants like China, India and Brazil and developing economies in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to build a cleaner, fairer world. More information about the OECD can be found at www.oecd.org.
About PISA
PISA tests the educational attainment levels of 15-year-old secondary school students every three years in three core areas: reading, mathematics and science. Launched in 2000, PISA now covers some 70 countries and economies that together account for around 86% of world economic output. Test results provide education authorities with an international yardstick to measure how their school systems are performing and to identify where progress can be achieved. More information on PISA can be found at www.oecd.org/pisa.
About the Pearson Foundation
The Pearson Foundation extends Pearson's (NYSE:PSO) commitment to education by partnering with leading non-profit, civic and business organizations to provide financial, organizational and publishing assistance across the globe. The Foundation aims to make a difference by sponsoring innovative educational programs and extending its educational expertise to help in classrooms and in local communities. More information on the Pearson Foundation can be found at www.pearsonfoundation.org.
Pearson (NYSE: PSO) is the global leader in educational publishing, assessment, information and services, helping people of all ages to learn at their own pace, in their own way. For students preK-12, Pearson provides effective and innovative curriculum products in all available media, educational assessment and measurement for students and teachers, student information systems, and teacher professional development and certification programs. Our respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, SuccessMaker, Waterford, AGS, PowerSchool, Chancery SMS, SASI, Pearson Inform, Teachervision.com and many others. Our comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
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