Nova Scotia Students Perform Well Internationally

Students in Canada and Nova Scotia performed well in their first international tests in reading, mathematics and science. Nova Scotia is the overall leader in the Atlantic provinces and scored well ahead of such countries as the United States, Germany, Iceland and Spain.

The 2000 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test results were released in Paris this morning by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

About 30,000 15-year-old Canadian students wrote the international tests for the first time in the spring of 2000. Out of 32 participating countries, Canada ranked second in reading, fifth in science and sixth in mathematics.

"The performance of our students in the PISA tests shows that they're gaining stronger skills in reading, math and science than many of their counterparts around the world," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "However, there is room for improvement in Nova Scotia's scores in relation to other Canadian provinces."

Canadian provinces were ranked individually. Nova Scotia scored at or above the international average in all subjects and led the Atlantic provinces in reading and mathematics. Newfoundland took the Atlantic lead in science. However, Atlantic Canada scored lower than the Canadian average.

"We know that Nova Scotia students can perform better," said Ms. Purves. "And we're looking at ways to help them do that."

PISA testing and reporting is carried out in Canada by the Council of Ministers of Education Canada, Human Resources Development Canada, Statistics Canada and provincial departments and ministries of education. The Canadian report and highlights are available on the Internet, at www.pisa.gc.ca . The OECD's international report is available in the documents section of its Web site, at www.pisa.oecd.org .

In Nova Scotia, the Department of Education conducts provincial assessments in several grades and subjects. Results are being reviewed and will be available early in 2002.