Strong performers and successful reformers in education

In today’s global economy, countries need high-quality education systems that will teach their citizens the skills necessary to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Through its internationally comparative assessment of student performance, PISA has shown that education systems can deliver strong and equitable learning outcomes across widely varying cultural and economic contexts. Moreover, a number of countries and regions have succeeded over the past few years in improving their students’ performance substantially. The OECD’s Strong Performers and Successful Reformers in Education work goes beyond merely describing which countries excel and improved; it identifies key features and reforms that have allowed some countries to excel and improve so that other countries can learn from those that do well. The purpose of the series is to transmit ideas, stimulate debate and to offer insights for policy from successful reform trajectories. Countries that are strong performers and successful reforms share some common features: their politicians and social leaders share with parents, teachers and students a strong belief in the value of education; resources are channeled to the areas where they will provide the greatest results; and all students are given opportunities to succeed.