Students in OECD countries scored the lowest average on the PISA test ever.

Croatian Students Improve in Two Areas According to PISA 2025 Results Croatian students achieved better results in mathematical and scientific literacy in the PISA 2025 survey compared to the previous cycle, securing the 33rd position among 91 countries, while maintaining the 29th position in reading literacy, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The research was conducted in Croatia during March and April 2025, involving approximately 9,700 students from 278 primary and secondary schools, as stated in a press release by the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth. Croatia ranked 33rd in scientific literacy, improving from the 36th position in the previous cycle. In mathematical literacy, the country placed 36th, up from 40th in the prior cycle. Reading literacy remained unchanged at the 29th position. The findings of the study reveal Croatian students' attitudes towards the environment and their role in addressing climate and other environmental challenges. Minister Fuchs discussed these issues during a regional presentation of the results held in Bratislava on September 8, noted the ministry. Compared to their peers in other OECD countries, Croatian students believe they can positively influence change, support collective action against environmental challenges, adopt sustainable behaviors, and are more willing to act. “These results provide valuable insight into how young people in Croatia view their role in protecting the environment and how ready they are to actively participate in solving environmental challenges,” the ministry stated. Minister Fuchs also addressed the increasingly important topic of technology and artificial intelligence in schools. According to the PISA 2025 study results, Croatian students report relatively low levels of digital distraction compared to students in many other countries participating in the PISA program. The PISA study results offer a broader picture of students' experiences, attitudes, and behavior, making them a crucial source of data for shaping future education policies and improving the quality of education. This is the ninth cycle of the international study assessing the knowledge and skills of 15-year-old students. The study covers three key areas, reading, mathematical, and scientific literacy. International PISA 2025 Results Show Declining Performance Across OECD Countries Students in OECD countries have reached the lowest ever recorded average scores in the PISA tests for 2025, according to additional coverage. Every fifth 15-year-old in OECD countries achieves weak results in science, mathematics, and reading, representing a worsening situation compared to 16 percent in 2022. The PISA 2025 study included 760,000 students from 91 countries, with a focus on science. Average scores in reading in OECD countries dropped by 28 points between 2015 and 2025, while math scores decreased by 22 points. In non-OECD countries, reading scores fell by 16 points, and math scores declined by eight points. In OECD countries, students from more favorable socio-economic backgrounds scored 85 points higher in science than those from less favorable backgrounds. However, the gap narrowed mainly because students from more favorable backgrounds performed worse, not due to improvement among those from less favorable backgrounds. “Results from PISA 2025 indicate an urgent need to halt the decline in student achievements. The most successful education systems focus on fewer areas covered in greater depth, invest in teachers, involve parents, and provide targeted support to students and schools that need it most,” said OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann. Technology and artificial intelligence can enhance learning and help prepare youth for the future, but only if used purposefully, not as a substitute for attention, effort, and understanding, he added. PISA 2025 shows that artificial intelligence and digital tools should be used cautiously and moderately. Students who more frequently used AI assistance generally lagged behind their peers. It is estimated that students who did not use AI tools outperformed their counterparts by about 20 points, achieving results corresponding to one additional year of schooling. A quarter of students reported being distracted by classmates' digital devices during most or all science classes, leading to weaker results, lower engagement in learning, and feeling less connected to their school. However, students who used AI to aid their learning and could assess the quality of information generated by AI typically achieved better results than others. Italy Performs Better Than Average in PISA 2025 Results Italian students performed above the OECD average in several areas according to the PISA 2025 results. In science, Italian students scored 483 points, surpassing the OECD average of 482. In reading, they scored 474 points, significantly higher than the OECD average of 461. In mathematics, they scored 468 points, exceeding the OECD average of 463. The Italian Ministry of Education described the results as a sign of the strength of the national education system, noting improvements in science scores compared to 2022. Global Concern Over Declining Educational Performance The PISA 2025 results highlight a global concern over declining educational performance, particularly in reading and mathematics. Between 2015 and 2025, reading skills in OECD countries declined by 28 points, and math scores dropped by 22 points. Nearly a third of OECD students are now classified as "low performers," struggling with basic tasks such as interpreting data, finding information in simple texts, and understanding relationships between units and prices. The decline in global reading scores is particularly concerning, with an average decrease of 25 score points across OECD countries. This equates to roughly a year of learning lost. Among OECD countries, the most severe declines were observed in Iceland and Slovenia, with scores dropping by more than 50 points. Reading scores improved in five countries, though specific names were not mentioned in the sources. Impact of Technology and Digital Distraction The impact of technology and digital distraction on student performance is a growing concern highlighted in multiple reports. While some students benefit from using AI tools effectively, others face distractions from digital devices, affecting their engagement and academic performance. The OECD emphasizes the need for careful integration of technology in education to avoid negative impacts on learning outcomes.