The exam revealed a widening gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students.
The U.S. ranked 28th out of 37 participating countries in math.
U.S. students' math scores have significantly dropped in the 2022 PISA exam.
U.S. students scored above the OECD average in reading and science.
The latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) exam, the first since the pandemic, has revealed a significant drop in U.S. students' math scores. The 2022 math score was among the lowest ever measured by PISA for the U.S., with the country ranking 28th out of 37 participating countries in math. This decline has raised concerns about academic proficiency and mental development post-COVID-19.
The PISA exam compared the results of nearly 700,000 students across 81 OECD member states and partner economies. Despite the decline in math performance, U.S. students scored above the OECD average in reading and science, ranking 6th in reading and 10th in science among OECD countries. The stable reading scores in the U.S. are surprising given the documented declines in reading performance following the pandemic.
The exam also revealed a widening gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students, indicating an exacerbation of the achievement gap. This is particularly evident in math performance, where boys were found to outscore girls. Many disadvantaged students in the United States lack access to rigorous math instruction, which further exacerbates the achievement gap.
Experts are worried about the broader implications of the decline, including its impact on children's cognitive development and emotional well-being. Strategies involving educators, parents, therapists, and policymakers are needed to improve math literacy and support the overall growth and well-being of children. The 2025 PISA assessment will focus on science and include a new foreign language test.
Experts are worried about the broader implications of the decline, including its impact on children's cognitive development and emotional well-being.
Strategies involving educators, parents, therapists, and policymakers are needed to improve math literacy and support the overall growth and well-being of children.