Editor's Introduction

Abstract

International comparisons of academic achievements in schools have become necessary to make countries competitive in the global economy. The most prominent international and comparative assessments of academic achievements were the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). In 2002, the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) was implemented, sponsored by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and involving thirty-two countries. The difference between PISA and TIMSS is that PISA emphasized more the usefulness of education in practical situations rather than focusing mainly on curriculum and academic achievement. The results of both studies show low performance of students in many countries, especially some who claim to be industrial and economic leaders.