Malta hosting 57th Programme for International Student Assessment governing board meeting

Malta is currently hosting the 57th meeting of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Governing Board in Valletta, attended by around 200 delegates representing 78 countries from around the world.

The meeting is taking place over three days, from April 17th to April 19th, at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

The PISA Governing Board meets twice a year to discuss and plan the Programme for International Student Assessment, organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The Education Ministry said in a statement that Malta's participation provides a critical perspective that allows it to evaluate the impact of Malta’s educational policies and practices within a global context.

The meeting was opened by the Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research, and Innovation, Clifton Grima. In his message, he emphasised the transformative work underway in the education sector.

"As we look to the future, the

PISA 2022 assessment serves as a valuable tool in our ongoing efforts to improve educational outcomes in Malta. By addressing the root causes of early school leaving and providing targeted support, we are committed to creating an environment where every student is equipped with the tools, confidence, and opportunities to succeed in their educational journey and beyond," Minister Grima said.

He further explained: "With the National Education Strategy for 2024-2030, we are not just announcing policy; we are committing to transformation. Together, we embark on this transformative journey, building an educational legacy that offers opportunity, an inclusive educational system, and is ready to meet the challenges of the future."

The strategy also provides guidance for strategic initiatives aimed at refining the curriculum, adopting innovative teaching methodologies, and ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to quality education. This period of self-analysis and evaluation provided by PISA goes beyond simple verification of educational results; it represents a critical opportunity for Malta to reflect, plan, and lead a path of substantial educational transformation.

Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, Matthew Vella, stated, "Through our progressive shift towards school-based assessments, we move away from traditional examinations. By prioritizing dynamic and engaging forms of assessment, we encourage students to pursue knowledge with curiosity and enthusiasm. This is in line with the second pillar of the Strategy and the feedback provided by social partners in the sector."

In recent months, collaboration with the OECD has intensified, focusing on the new National Education Strategy for 2023-2030, the aspect of Strategic Foresight in education, and the development of an action plan to address all reflections arising from the PISA report. This effort underscores the government's strong belief that every student should have every opportunity to maximize their potential.