World News
Global student reading and math scores fall sharply in 2025 PISA study
Deutsche Welle reports that international student assessment scores dropped broadly, with reading metrics showing substantial declines.
The short version
- The 2025 PISA study shows a global drop in reading and mathematics performance among 15-year-old students across 91 surveyed countries and economies.[Deutsche Welle]
- Reading scores among OECD countries declined by an average of 28 points between 2015 and 2025, leaving roughly 29% of students classified as low performers in reading, math, and science.[Deutsche Welle]
- Only five countries recorded gains in reading performance: Qatar, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Zambia.[Deutsche Welle]
- Researchers cite structural issues like digital distractions as potential factors, noting pandemic school closures do not directly correlate with reading outcomes.[Deutsche Welle]
Key facts
- Over 760,000 students across 91 countries and economies participated in the 2025 PISA assessment published on September 8.[Deutsche Welle]
- Reading skills decreased by an average of 28 points in OECD nations and 16 points in other participating areas between 2015 and 2025.[Deutsche Welle]
- An estimated 29% of 15-year-olds in OECD countries are considered low performers across reading, math, and science.[Deutsche Welle]
- Reading performance improved in only five nations: Qatar, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Zambia.[Deutsche Welle]
What remains uncertain
- The underlying drivers of the reading score drop remain uncertain, as the data itself cannot explain the decline and school closures show no direct relationship with reading outcomes.[Deutsche Welle]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.