Dodi Irawan
ROME – The latest report from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has shaken the global education community, revealing an unprecedented decline in reading, mathematics, and science skills among 15-year-old students in member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). These findings raise serious concerns about the future of the younger generation and the quality of education. This drastic decline indicates that one in five students now demonstrate capacities well below minimum standards in all three domains.
The PISA assessment, conducted regularly, serves as a crucial barometer for measuring the performance of education systems worldwide. The most recent data, released in 2026, highlights an alarming trend that requires immediate attention from policymakers and education practitioners.
Specifically, the study shows that the percentage of students with weak basic skills has significantly increased compared to previous cycles. This means that more students are struggling to understand complex texts, solve mathematical problems, and apply scientific concepts in daily life.
This crisis is not confined to a single region or country but is widespread across nearly all OECD member states, signaling deeper structural issues within education systems post-pandemic or in the rapidly evolving digital age. There is strong suspicion that the COVID-19 pandemic, with all its implications for remote learning and school schedule disruptions, was a primary trigger for this decline. This issue aligns with global discussions, as seen in the article PISA 2025: Global Student Scores Drastically Plummet, Pandemic Triggering Education Crisis?
Italy's Minister of Education, Giuseppe Valditara, in his response, stated that while the OECD report showed an overall decline, Italy managed to stay above the OECD average. This statement offers a glimmer of hope amidst a bleak panorama, although major challenges still loom. Italy, with all its curriculum reforms and teacher quality improvements, has managed to maintain its position above average, Valditara said, emphasizing the importance of sustained investment in the education sector.
However, Italy's achievement does not obscure the fact that, collectively, OECD countries are facing a profound educational crisis. Education experts are calling for comprehensive reforms that not only focus on post-pandemic recovery but also adapt to the learning challenges of the 21st century. This includes effective integration of technology, enhancement of digital literacy, and the development of critical thinking skills.
This report also fuels debate about the role of social media and digital devices in affecting student concentration and cognitive abilities. Some experts argue that excessive exposure to social media may contribute to declining reading skills and focus, an issue previously raised in the article PISA 2025: Geffray Highlights French Student Decline, Blames Social Media?
Governments in various countries are now under pressure to formulate long-term strategies to address this crisis. Recommendations often include increased education budgets, better teacher training, and the development of curricula more relevant to the evolving global job market.
Furthermore, there is a push to review teaching and learning methodologies, shifting from rote memorization approaches to more interactive and applied ones. This approach is expected to foster students' interest in core subjects and enhance their conceptual understanding.
Failure to address this decline could have long-term impacts on the global economy and social cohesion. Less skilled generations may face difficulties in job competition, while countries could lose their innovative competitiveness. This situation reinforces experts' urgent call for a Long-Term Education Strategy to Face PISA 2025 and beyond.
The PISA 2026 data must serve as a wake-up call for every nation to re-evaluate their education policies and invest more seriously in shaping the future of a competent and competitive young generation.
Editorial Insight: The latest PISA report is more than just numbers; it is a distress signal about a potential global talent crisis. The drastic decline in students' basic abilities indicates that the current education system may no longer be relevant or effective in preparing young people for future challenges. Cross-sector collaboration, pedagogical innovation, and strong political commitment are needed to reverse this negative trend. Otherwise, OECD countries risk losing their competitive edge and facing greater socio-economic challenges in the coming decades.
