46 pages • 1 hour read
The Smartest Kids In The World: And How They Got That Way
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Part 1Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and mental illness.
Part 1: “Fall”
Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary: “The Treasure Map”
Andreas Schleicher, a German physicist and supporter of data-driven research, created the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2000, with the help of the Organization for Economic Cooperation (OECD). The test was designed to measure abilities that other tests did not, such as critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills, based on the argument that memorization and comprehension aren’t the only skills needed to succeed in life and work. The test was originally administered in 43 countries, and the results were shared publicly.
The top-scoring country at the time turned out to be Finland, while the United States was in the average range, along with Germany. This caused some Americans to blame outdated policies and high poverty rates, while others tried to blame immigrants. Though financial status was a factor, it did not appear to be the main factor. While spending on education was shown to be inadequate on its own, as the United States’ high spending lacked results, the way that money was spent did play a role. The test was criticized for cultural bias, but Schleicher and his team continued to improve, expand, and advance the test.
Ripley met Schleicher and took the PISA to experience it firsthand and know her score.
