The OECD's ABC of Gender Equality in Education - food for thought for parents

A recent PISA publication by OECD is exploring gender equality in education with special focus on STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). An infographics shows the most significant and eye-caching facts calling the attention of the readers to the fact that more boys are underachievers in mathematics and science than girls while girls have much less confidence in themselves in this field. For parents the most important findings show that traditional gender roles have a very high effect on parents' view and girls are not often encouraged to find their careers in STEM. It is time for parents to face realities are reconsider the way they guide their children towards their future careers.

First OECD PISA financial literacy test finds many young people confused by money matters

Around one in seven students in the 13 OECD countries and economies that took part in the first OECD PISA international assessment of financial literacy are unable to make even simple decisions about everyday spending, and only one in ten can solve complex financial tasks.

Some 29 000 15 year-olds in 18 countries and economies* took part in the test, which assessed the knowledge and skills of teenagers in dealing with financial issues, such as understanding a bank statement, the long-term cost of a loan or knowing how insurance works.

TALIS 2013 published - compare your school to country and international averages

OECD has just published the new TALIS results. Unfortunately we don't have a picture of all EPA member countries as only 19 of the 28 EU countries did the survey, but we have results for some non-EU EPA countries like Norway. From a parental point of view the most important finding is what underlines our regular arguments: teachers who engage in collaborative learning and where stakeholder involvement is present, teachers feel more satisfied and valued. Unfortunately parental involvement is not part of the survey. You can compare your own country's results to that of the average if you go to the OECD website.

PIAAC results show that parents have to keep learning

The PIAAC (Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies) first Survey on Adult Skills by OECD found that there are huge problems with the literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skill of adults. The worst result are in ICT skills, to dear parents, it's time to start learning from our children!