Foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving are not just educational benchmarks; they are critical tools for life, enabling individuals to thrive, adapt, and participate fully in society. Yet today, Europe faces an alarming crisis of basic competences. Without urgent action, the lack of competences will deepen societal inequalities, weaken labour market resilience, and leave citizens vulnerable to misinformation and digital exclusion.
For decades, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has conducted two key, worldwide studies to evaluate competences. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) measures the academic results of 15-year-old learners in mathematics, reading and science through standardised tests. The most recent results were published over five volumes, starting in December 2023, with the latest one launched in November 2024 (focused on learners' learning strategies and attitudes for life). The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) measures the level of literacy, numeracy, and adaptive problem-solving skills that adults aged 16-65 have. The latest batch of results was released on 10 December 2024 and will be followed by additional volumes analysing the results.
The Lifelong Learning Platform welcomes both studies despite being worried, but not surprised, of the results. The LLLPlatform has for long advocated for such studies to look at the broader picture, namely the wider benefits of learning, and extend the focus from basic skills to issues related to the comprehensive competence frameworks.
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