PISA and education reform in Europe

Periodical
European Education
Volume
53
Year
2021
Issue number
1
Page range
45-56
Relates to study/studies
PISA 2018

PISA and education reform in Europe

Cases of policy Inertia, avoidance, and refraction

Abstract

The present analysis examined the relationship between PISA results and their influence on policy development within a select group of European nations which included Estonia, Italy, France, and Finland. These countries reflect four distinct outcomes in relation to PISA results: (1) high achievement and high equity (Estonia); (2) stagnant performance (Italy); (3) low achievement and low equity (France); and (4) a negative equity trend (Finland). The discussion argues these outcomes can be associated with cases of policy inertia, avoidance, and refraction.