Mathematical literacy
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is an international comparative study of student performance directed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). PISA measures the cumulative outcomes of education by assessing how well 15-year-olds, who are nearing the end of their compulsory schooling in most participating educational systems, are prepared to use the knowledge and skills in particular areas to meet real-life opportunities and challenges. The term literacy is attached to the assessment domains of reading, mathematics and science to reflect the focus on these broader skills and as a concept it is used in a much broader sense than simply being able to read and write. The OECD considers that mathematics and science are so pervasive in modern life that it is important for students to be literate in these areas as well. This report presents the results for Australia as a whole, for the Australian states and territories and for the other participants in PISA 2018, so that Australia’s results can be viewed in an international context, and student performance can be monitored over time.