PISA report finds one-third of European teens lack basic literacy and math skills
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The latest PISA report shows that in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, about one-third of young people lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. The decline goes beyond pandemic learning losses, driven by chronic teacher shortages, curriculum problems and smartphone distraction. The United Kingdom remained outside the general downward trend.
Key Facts
- In France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, about one-third of young people lack basic literacy and numeracy skills, according to the latest PISA report.
- The decline is attributed to chronic teacher shortages, curriculum problems and reduced attention spans due to smartphones, going beyond pandemic learning losses.
- The United Kingdom remained outside the general downward trend.
- In Germany, the link between educational achievement and family socioeconomic status was highlighted, with an increase in failure rates among children from low-income families.
- In the Netherlands, more than one-third of young people lack basic skills needed in daily life, with experts pointing to a permanent structural crisis.
Country-Level Declines
Germany saw its worst report card, underscoring the link between educational achievement and family socioeconomic status. The failure rate among children from low-income families increased notably. In the Netherlands, reading skills suffered a historic decline, with more than one-third of young people lacking basic skills needed in daily life. Experts indicated that this decline has turned into a permanent structural crisis.
Traditional Champions Affected
Finland and Sweden, traditionally strong in education, experienced similar declines. Authorities and education unions were prompted to take urgent reform measures and combat digital distractions in classrooms.
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