Unlocking Educational Excellence: Chile’s Journey to Pisa Success and Lessons for Latin America
The 2022 Pisa: why Latin America’s top contender is Chile
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Chile has emerged as the leading Latin American country in the Pisa tests, outperforming Brazil, which has struggled to improve its results since 2009. The Pisa test evaluates the cognitive abilities of 15-year-olds from OECD nations, and Chile consistently ranks first among Latin American nations. Despite a drop in scores due to the pandemic, Chile still managed to come out on top in the region. The country’s success can be attributed to several factors, including the implementation of standards and quality control, decentralization of administration, and a focus on training and recruiting better teachers.
While both Chile and Brazil allocate 6% of their GDP to education, Chile has shown greater improvement in recent years. In the PISA 2022 exam, Chilean students scored 412 in arithmetic, 448 in reading, and 444 in science, while Brazilian students scored 379 in math, 410 in reading, and 403 in science. Although Chile’s scores are higher and closer to those of better-performing nations, both countries have remained stagnant for several years.
One significant difference between the two countries is the percentage of students who lack basic mathematical skills. In Chile, only 44% of pupils fail to grasp the bare minimum needed for daily activities, compared to 73% in Brazil. Similarly, in reading proficiency, 50% of Brazilian students fail to reach level 2, while 34% of Chilean students fail to reach level 3. In the field of science, 36% of Chilean students possess the minimum knowledge required for their age group, while 55% of Brazilian students do not.
Chile’s educational progress can be traced back to its early participation in the Pisa tests. In 2000, Chile became the first Latin American country to compete in Pisa, scoring 410 in reading. After skipping the 2003 edition, Chile returned in 2006, showing a 32-point improvement in reading scores since 2000. Since then, Chile has maintained its level 2 status, surpassing other Latin American countries but still lagging behind the OECD average.
One factor contributing to Chile’s success is its rigorous evaluation system and prescriptive curriculum. Unlike Brazil, Chile has a set of required readings, tests, and textbooks in every classroom. The country sought advice from the OECD on how to implement effective educational policies, reflecting a historical concern and public discussion about education in Chile. Public and private funds support organizations like Elige Educar, which aims to recruit academically gifted youth and retain experienced educators.
Another key element in Chile’s educational system is decentralization. According to education expert Célia Seabra, Chile implemented decentralization, granting students more autonomy in the classroom while providing public policies as guidelines. This flexibility allows schools to adapt the curriculum to address specific needs in different areas. Taking into account the social, economic, and geographical diversity of the country is crucial in ensuring educational success.
Education expert Ilona Becskeházy suggests that Brazil should follow Chile’s example and empower state and local governments to spearhead educational reforms. She believes that access to successful foreign models, such as the case of Sobral, can help address the issues in Brazil’s educational system. Similarly, Verónica Cabezas emphasizes the need to improve teacher preparation programs, citing high turnover rates among teachers in Chile. The NGO Elige Educar offers programs to recruit and support aspiring teachers, highlighting the importance of both theoretical knowledge and practical training.
In conclusion, Chile has emerged as the leading Latin American contender in the Pisa tests, surpassing Brazil and other nations in the region. The country’s success can be attributed to various factors, including the implementation of standards and quality control, decentralization of administration, and a focus on training and recruiting better teachers. Chile’s rigorous evaluation system, prescriptive curriculum, and emphasis on teacher preparation contribute to its educational progress. While both Chile and Brazil allocate a similar percentage of GDP to education, Chile has shown greater improvement, reducing the percentage of students lacking basic skills. Brazil can learn from Chile’s experiences and implement similar reforms to enhance its educational system.
