Strong Performers and Successful Reformers in Education - A video series profiling policies and practices of education systems that demonstrate high or improving performance in the PISA tests

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. This series of videos, produced jointly by the OECD and the Pearson Foundation, highlights initiatives being taken by education authorities around the world to help school students do better. The school systems featured were chosen for their strong performance in the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Every three years, PISA evaluates the skills of 15-year-old secondary students in three basic areas: reading, mathematics and science. Pencil-and-paper tests assess how well they analyze problems, seek solutions and communicate ideas. Around half a million students participated in the latest round, carried out in 2009 in some 70 countries and economies. Starting from very different levels, a number of countries and regions have succeeded over the last few years in raising their students’ performance substantially. They display some important 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. All students are given opportunities to achieve success. The best systems deliver strong and equitable learning outcomes across widely varying cultural and economic contexts. By showing what they achieve, the PISA tests provide a mirror to all countries and demonstrate what is possible. Others can learn from those that do well. The purpose of these videos is to transmit ideas and stimulate debate.     Shanghai, China: Raising Standards by Getting Strong-Performing Schools to Help Weaker Ones A drive by Shanghai authorities to help low-performing schools and students took the city's secondary-school students to top place in the PISA 2009 tests.     Ontario, Canada: Making Sure Students From All Backgrounds and Origins Can Fulfill Their PotentialProvincial governments run education in Canada, and Ontario shows how high-school students can do well whatever their family background, first language or place of birth.     Brazil: Creating and Nurturing a Laboratory of Innovation and Best PracticesIn a decentralized system dogged by uneven teacher quality, poor infrastructure and low student commitment, Brazil is using benchmarking to identify problems and drive reform.     Germany: Expanding Educational Opportunity to Improve Outcomes for Every StudentThe 2001 "PISA shock" sparked a nationwide debate in Germany about the nation's school system and how to improve it.     Finland: Maintaing a Strongly Supportive School SystemFinland's schools are well integrated in communities and teachers are highly committed, making it a top PISA performer with little variation among pupils of differing backgrounds.      Poland: Changing the Structure of the School System to Give Better Education Opportunities for AllPoland overhauled its school system, raising performance to similar levels to the United States and Norway despite spending less than half of what those countries spend on education.