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This policy profile on education in Kazakhstan is part of the Education Policy Outlook series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy. The country profiles provide analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insights into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of Kazakhstan's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: ways to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; and how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. A list of references and further reading is included.

This updated policy profile on education in Mexico is part of the Education Policy Outlook series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy. This country profile is an update of the first policy profile of Mexico (2013) and reviews the current context and situation of Mexico's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: ways to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; and how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. A list of references and further reading is included. [To view the 2013 profile, see ED583611.]

This policy profile on education in Belgium is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of the Belgium's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: how to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in Austria is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of the Austria's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: how to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in Sweden is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Survey of Adult Skills of the Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in Latvia is part of the Education Policy Outlook series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral policy knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of Latvia's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: ways to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; and how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. A list of References and further reading is included.

This policy profile on education in Italy is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Survey of Adult Skills of the Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies, such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. A list of References and further reading is included.

This policy profile on education in Korea is part of the Education Policy Outlook series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of Korea's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: raising outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; raising quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; and improving how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in Slovenia is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of Slovenia's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: raising outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality (2) preparing students for the future; raising quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; improvement in how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. A list of References and further reading is included.

This policy profile on education in Iceland is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of the Iceland's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: how to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. A list of References and further reading is included.

This policy profile on education in Israel is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Survey of Adult Skills of the Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. A list of References and further reading is included.

This policy profile on education in Luxembourg is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Survey of Adult Skills of the Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and the annual publication Education at a Glance, and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in Estonia is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of the Estonia's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: how to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in the Slovak Republic is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of the Slovak Republic's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: raising outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; raising quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; improvement in how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. A list of References and further reading is included.

This policy profile on education in Poland is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of Poland's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: raising outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; raising quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; improvement in how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. A list of References and further reading is included.

This policy profile on education in Japan is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Survey of Adult Skills of the Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in Hungary is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in Brazil is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and the annual publication "Education at a Glance." It also refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in Canada is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of Canada's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: raising outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; raising quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; improvement in how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in the United Kingdom (UK) is part of the new "Education Policy Outlook series," which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base available within the OECD, the series includes country profiles and a comparative report (first volume in 2015). It offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing: (1) analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles) and of international trends; and (2) comparative insight on policies and reforms on selected topics. This UK profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Survey of Adult Skills, the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in the Netherlands is part of the new Education Policy Outlook series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base available within the OECD, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing: a) analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles) and of international trends and b) comparative insight on policies and reforms on selected topics. Designed for policy makers, analysts and practitioners who seek information and analysis of education policy taking into account the importance of national context, the country policy profiles offer constructive analysis of education policy in a comparative format. Each profile reviews the current context and situation of the country's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement and raise outcomes for all. They are: (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; raising quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; improvement in how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in Portugal is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of the Portugal's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: how to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. References and further reading are included. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), the Survey of Adult Skills, and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. A list of references and further reading is included.

This policy profile on education in Spain is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of the Spain's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: how to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), the Survey of Adult Skills and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in Germany is part of the new Education Policy Outlook series, which will present comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base available within the OECD, the series will result in a biennial publication (first volume in 2014). It will develop a comparative outlook on education policy by providing: a) analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles) and of international trends and b) comparative insight on policies and reforms on selected topics. Designed for policy makers, analysts and practitioners who seek information and analysis of education policy taking into account the importance of national context, the country policy profiles will offer constructive analysis of education policy in a comparative format. Each profile will review the current context and situation of the country's education system and examine its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement:raising outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; raising quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; improvement in how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. A list of References and further reading is included.

This policy profile on education in Denmark is part of the new Education Policy Outlook series, which will present comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the substantial comparative and sectorial policy knowledge base available within the OECD, the series will result in a biennial publication (first volume in 2014). It will develop a comparative outlook on education policy by providing: a) analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles) and of international trends and b) comparative insight on policies and reforms on selected topics. Designed for policy makers, analysts and practitioners who seek information and analysis of education policy taking into account the importance of national context, the country policy profiles will offer constructive analysis of education policy in a comparative format. Each profile will review the current context and situation of the country's education system and examine its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement raising outcomes for all in terms of: (1) equity and quality by (2) preparing students for the future; raising quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; improvement in how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in Mexico is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of the Mexico's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: how to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in New Zealand is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of the New Zealand's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: how to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education.

This policy profile on education in Ireland is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of the Ireland's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: how to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in the Czech Republic is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of the Czech Republic's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: how to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. References and further reading are included. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. References and further reading are included.

This policy profile on education in Australia is part of the "Education Policy Outlook" series, which presents comparative analysis of education policies and reforms across OECD countries. Building on the OECD's substantial comparative and sectoral knowledge base, the series offers a comparative outlook on education policy by providing analysis of individual countries' educational context, challenges and policies (education policy profiles), analysis of international trends, and insight into policies and reforms on selected topics. This profile reviews the current context and situation of the Australia's education system and examines its challenges and policy responses, according to six policy levers that support improvement: how to raise outcomes for all in terms of (1) equity and quality and (2) preparing students for the future; how to raise quality through (3) school improvement and (4) evaluation and assessment; how the system is organised to deliver education policy in terms of (5) governance and (6) funding. References and further reading are included. This country profile draws on OECD indicators from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and the annual publication "Education at a Glance," and refers to country and thematic studies such as OECD work on early childhood education and care, teachers, school leadership, evaluation and assessment for improving school outcomes, equity and quality in education, governing complex education systems, vocational education and training, and tertiary education. References and further reading are included.

Parents, students, teachers, school leaders, governments and the general public need good information on how well their education systems prepare students for life. A growing commitment by governments to monitor the outcomes of education systems in terms of student achievement on a regular basis and within an internationally agreed framework led to the launch of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD's) Programme for International Assessment (PISA) in 1997. There have so far been three PISA surveys: in 2000, 2003 and 2006. The results from PISA provide a new basis for policy dialogue and for collaboration in defining and implementing educational goals, in innovative ways that reflect judgments about the skills that are relevant to adult life. What does PISA actually assess? This report brings together all the publicly available questions in reading, mathematics and science and, together with the PISA assessment frameworks, gives a solid overview of the PISA test. Some of these questions were used in the PISA 2000, 2003 and 2006 surveys and others were used in developing and trying out the assessment. For the questions used in the PISA 2000, 2003 and 2006 surveys, country results are provided in Annex B to allow an overview of how well students did in each country on different types of questions. Each chapter in this report has two distinct sections: the first presents the questions and the second presents the answers to these questions. (Individual units contain tables and figures.)