The results of the PISA report for 2009 have arrived and the earthquake has occurred in education. In this test, 4 out of 45 OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries. ESO students participated.

For most of us, the most popular aspect of the PISA test will probably be the famous ranking list of results. However, in addition to assessing students’ level in reading, math, and science, this test also assesses other aspects involved in education.

One option would be to try to underestimate PISA. Finding reasons is not difficult. As an external measure, however, we will support its interest. In fact, this test aims not only to measure the performance of students, but also to carry out an analysis on the conditions that influence the teaching-learning process of the students. And that’s especially interesting, I think. If we carry out this study with scientific precision, the information obtained would allow us to take steps that would help us to improve the educational process, in the broadest sense of the word.

We find that in assessing the results of the PISA tests, the society has focused almost entirely on the students, ignoring the other parties that are part of the teaching-learning process. Some have said, however, that the way in which we teach in our educational centers is memoristic and theoretical in most cases – as in our times – and that the way in which PISA is studied is more framed in the resolution of problems from tables, data and graphs. Does this difference in style have no effect on the results?

Apparently, countries that have increased their results are more concerned with improving the way they teach and not so much with changing their content. In addition, expert analysts say that with another model of government in which the city council participates and in a context with a greater degree of autonomy of the centers, the results would be improved. To be reckoned with, no doubt!

What kind of society do we want and how and for what purpose do we want to educate its members? Let’s answer these questions and dig deeper into the Education System that will faithfully meet these goals. With clear direction and path, we will be more profitable and richer in external measurements such as PISA. They will then be valuable instruments of labour rather than the end: sold in moderation and bought in moderation!