Global readers recently learned that, across OECD countries, 15-year-olds’ average reading scores fell by 28 points between 2015 and 2025, and by 22 points in mathematics over the same period.

These findings are based on 2025 results from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s educational testing program.

PISA samples 15-year-olds’ performance in science, mathematics and reading typically every three years via PISA testing.

While Canadians may worry about academic decline, it’s also critical to consider what the more granular results may signify.

Who or what is to blame?

Louis Volante, an education researcher with expertise in testing and educational policy, notes that a post-pandemic decline is of concern, as are questions around how teacher shortages, digital distractions and growing AI are affecting students.

The OECD also notes a powerful predictor of performance remains student socio-economic background: “Across OECD countries, advantaged students scored 85 points higher in science than disadvantaged students.”

What the OECD isn’t stating, but what these latest PISA results also suggest, is that standardized testing was never the simple answer for educational attainment.

The Saskatchewan advantage?

Saskatchewan bucked a powerful OECD and Canadian trend,........

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