Definition

The PISA survey covers science, mathematics and reading. For the 2006 round of PISA, three and a half hours of testing time was in science, two hours for mathematics and one hour for reading. Each student spent two hours on the assessment items.

Scientific literacy is the capacity to use scientific knowledge, to identify questions, to acquire new knowledge, to explain scientific phenomena, and to draw evidence-based conclusions about science-related issues. Mathematical literacy is the capacity to identify and understand the role that mathematics plays in the world, to make well-founded judgments and to use and engage with mathematics in ways that meet the needs of that individual's life as a constructive, concerned and reflective citizen. Reading literacy is the capacity to understand, use and reflect on written texts in order to achieve one's goals, to develop one's knowledge and potential and to participate in society.

For more statistics on economic, environmental and social issues visit online the OECD Factbook 2010.