Malta Independent

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

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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.

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