Ankara: Trkiye's performance in the 2025 cycle of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a "success story" that the entire world should study closely, said OECD Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher.
According to a statement by Trkiye's National Education Ministry, Schleicher sent a video message congratulating Trkiye on its achievements in the PISA 2025 cycle. Schleicher emphasized the significance of Trkiye's progress, stating: "What you have achieved in this latest round of the OECD's PISA assessment is not just good news for Trkiye, it's a story the world should pay attention to."
At a time when many education systems are facing significant challenges, Trkiye stands out as one of the few countries where student performance improved across all three areas, Schleicher said, noting that average results in mathematics, reading, and science increased between 2022 and 2025.
He noted the significant decline in the proportion of low-performing students since 2015, highlighting Trkiye's success in equipping more young people with foundational skills needed for lifelong learning and future opportunities.
Schleicher stressed that the results were not merely the outcome of one successful year, stating: "We are seeing a school system that is truly on the move." He added that education is where a country writes the blueprint for its future, emphasizing the role of current students in shaping Trkiye's future as professionals and public servants.
Schleicher mentioned other reasons to be optimistic about Trkiye's education story, noting that seven out of every ten students in the country reported that their teachers show a close interest in their learning, explaining material until students understand it, and providing additional support when needed.
Students also reported a more positive learning environment compared to a decade ago. Schleicher stressed that education is a human process, not merely a mechanical exchange of knowledge between teacher and student.
According to PISA data, Turkish students exhibit eagerness to discover new things, perseverance in the face of challenges, and a belief that ability can be developed through effort, feedback, and practice. Schleicher emphasized that qualities such as curiosity, perseverance, agency, and a growth mindset are essential for success in a rapidly changing world.
Referring to PISA results showing Turkish students' enthusiastic use of digital technologies, Schleicher noted the government's efforts to address device shortages, which could translate into a significant advantage for the future. He stressed that the relationship between technology and learning depends on its use, emphasizing that the purpose of technology should be to enhance learners' capabilities.
Congratulating Trkiye's education community on the results, Schleicher said the opportunity ahead was to continue moving faster and further while ensuring that every child is included in that journey. "Trkiye's most valuable natural resource is the talent, imagination, and potential sitting in your classrooms today," he said.