PISA entails enormous costs for schools, but yields only modest returns. An expert makes the calculations and shows opportunities for improvement.
PISA causes mixed feelings. Austria is in midfield, it can do much better. Especially if you take a closer look at the figures from Agenda Austria. Austria is at the top of the EU when it comes to expenditure per student: 13,430 euros per school career. Belgium follows closely and is on par with Austria in the PISA score. “This means: Austria is investing a huge amount in the education system, but the results are sobering,” says Carmen Treml of Agenda. You should not be satisfied with mediocrity. “We should be much better.”
Dramatic figures, valuable role models
Migration is a central factor in the outcomes that have a major impact on social developments. 27 percent of the students are migrants, ten percent were not born in Austria themselves, Treml calculates.
“The problem is: in 75 percent of migrant households, students do not speak German.” It is therefore not surprising if these children fall behind at 58 percent. Vienna in particular is affected here. The enormous expenditure does not have to be reduced, says the economist, ‘but the resources must be distributed more efficiently.’
Example Great Britain: There, an education index was implemented that takes into account socio-economic status (parental education) or language, and resources are then distributed accordingly. To do this we need to be evaluated regularly. “This happens in only 72 percent of schools in Austria – once a year. In other countries it is almost 100 percent and more regularly.”
In Estonia, many teachers are also IT experts
You could also think of a performance principle. Teachers who perform better get paid better. There is currently nothing, including zero consequences, for ‘worse’ staff. By the way: Estonia is in the best position. More than 8,000 euros are spent per student, better than first place in PISA. Digitalization is also widespread there. “And 40 percent of the teachers are also IT experts.” You can look jealous.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
