In the present meta-analysis, we examine how secondary school characteristics -- such as schools' academic press, school climate, material resources, personnel resources, classroom climate, instructional practices, out-of-school activities, and socioeconomic status (SES) composition -- provide opportunities for students to engage in science and…

The present study compared the contribution of familial cultural capital to the reading achievement of 116,508 15-year-old students who participated in PISA 2012 in six Confucian heritage cultures (CHCs) and nine non-CHCs with comparable educational and economic development. The different states of cultural capital examined comprised…

After consistently bad results in every PISA test (Programme for International Student Assessment) and an accompanying prediction of lack of skills in its future workforce, Germany might be on track for losing out in international competition. Because of PISA's overwhelming marketing presence, its results are a major political influence. The OECD…

Not much is known about the ways in which assessment data have actually been used in education policy to date. Understanding the role of assessments in informing system-level decision-making is a first step towards helping stakeholders improve the design and usefulness of assessments. Moreover, this understanding can help to further discussions…

Environmental education "is a process that aims to develop an environmentally literate citizenry" (NAAEE 2004). It is an effective way to engage students of all levels and has improved learning outcomes and achievement in science and other subjects (Lieberman and Hoody 1998). Worldwide, students report that schools are a key place for…