Latest tests show PM’s 2025 education goal is in doubt

Sue Thomson

Research output: Other contribution

Abstract

Prime Minister Julia Gillard in September set an ambitious goal for Australian education: to be ranked as a top-five country in reading, mathematics and science by 2025. Clearly she is hoping to lift Australia in the international rankings in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which tests samples of 15-year-old students on their knowledge, applied in real-life situations. However, results released by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) from the more curriculum-based assessments, the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), highlight the magnitude of the challenge Australia faces if we are to achieve the PM’s goal. To see the reports referred to in this article go to http://research.acer.edu.au/timss_pirls_2011/
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 12 Dec 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study
  • TIMSS
  • Progress in International Reading Literacy Study
  • PIRLS
  • Australia
  • Underperformance
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Reading literacy
  • Year 8
  • Year 4

Disciplines

  • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research

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