Colombia’s education system is falling further behind international standards, according to the newly released PISA 2025 results from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The test, considered one of the most important global benchmarks for measuring the skills of 15-year-old students, was administered this year to teenagers in 91 countries.
The findings paint a troubling picture for Colombia: scores in both reading and math declined compared with previous cycles, and overall learning outcomes have stagnated for years. Most alarming, more than half of Colombian students tested did not meet the minimum proficiency levels expected for their age group, suggesting deep and persistent gaps in the quality of instruction they’re receiving.
The disappointing PISA results echo other recent warning signs about literacy in the country. A related report found that only 45% of Colombian third-graders can read proficiently, a shortfall that education experts say creates a “domino effect,” making it harder for students to keep pace as they advance through school. Taken together, the data suggest that foundational skills gaps identified in early grades are carrying through into adolescence, with lasting consequences for students’ academic and economic futures.
Curious about the full breakdown of Colombia’s PISA 2025 performance? Read the original report at El Tiempo for more details.
Source: Colombia se raja en las pruebas Pisa 2025 con caídas en Lectura y Matemáticas: lo que revelan los resultados (eltiempo.com). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: Michael Surran.