Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)

PISA is a study of 15-year-olds’ skills in reading, mathematics and science among 59 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. PISA operates on a rotating three-year cycle of major and minor domains, with scientific literacy the focus in 2006. Statistics Canada conducts sampling and data analysis functions for PISA on behalf of the provinces. EQAO coordinated the administration in 95 anglophone Ontario schools in 41 boards and 60 francophone schools in 12 boards for a total of approximately 4000 students.

PISA was conducted between April 18 and May 26, 2006.

Components of the Program

PISA is an international program designed to provide policy makers with a profile of the general competencies of 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics and science.

The assessment required a total of three and a half hours with short breaks. It required four hours or more if longer breaks or a lunch break were scheduled.

• Students participated in a two-hour written assessment that evaluated their knowledge and skills in science.
• Students completed a thirty-minute questionnaire that collected background information on factors contributing to student achievement.
• Principals completed a school-related questionnaire.

Students were excused from regular classes in order to participate in the assessment

Information on Previous PISA Assessments

For more information about PISA, visit their Web site, http://www.pisa.gc.ca.