The OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) examines what students know in reading, mathematics and science, and what they can do with what they know. It provides the most comprehensive and rigorous international assessment of student learning outcomes to date. Results from PISA indicate the quality and equity of learning outcomes attained around the world, and allow educators and policy makers to learn from the policies and practices applied in other countries.
The PISA 2018 results were published today. This gives rise to many discussions all over the world on the quality of schools and teaching. In preparation for this, and as part of the ongoing work on influencing policy makers, QUINT researcher and Professor at the University of Iceland Anna Kristín Sigurðardóttir has written some recommendations on improving the quality of education in Iceland.
Sigurðardóttir's article builds on recent research on the characteristics of successful educational improvements, and offers seven guidelines for actions to improve the quality of education. The guidelines consider the complex reality of schools, and are meant to offer evidence-based guidance to inform the discussion around education improvements in the Icelandic context. Sigurðardóttir emphasises the collaborative nature of this work.
- A sound education does not rely on the actions or efforts of individuals; it is a collective endeauvour relying on dialogue and collaboration between teachers, leaders, authorities, and others in the educational system. Teachers and school leaders should be seen as active participants in decision making, Sigurðardóttir asserts.
The article was presented today at a PISA meeting for professionals in Iceland. The full article is available in Icelandic, but there is also a short summary of the recommendations in English at the end of the document.
