OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)

How did geographical location affect the performance of Australian students in PISA 2000?

The effect of geographical location on the performance of students from schools from all parts of Australia who participated in the OECD/Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2000) was examined.

•  Approximately 5 477 students from 231 schools across Australia encompassing schools in Major Cities, Inner Regional areas, Outer Regional areas, Remote areas and Very Remote areas participated.

•  Results for Australian schools located in Major Cities and Inner Regional areas were above the OECD average in reading literacy. Outer Regional areas and Remote/Very Remote areas were at or below the OECD average.

In reading literacy:

•  18 percent of students in Major Cities achieved the highest proficiency level (Level 5), compared with 2 per cent in Remote/Very Remote areas.

•  72 per cent of Australian students in Major Cities were placed at Level 3 or higher in reading literacy, compared with 67 per cent in Inner Regional areas, 57 per cent of students in Outer Regional areas and 50 per cent of students in Remote/Very Remote areas.

•  28 per cent of Australian students in Remote/Very Remote areas did not reach proficiency Level 2, and 11 per cent in Major Cities.

•  Although socioeconomic background was associated with performance in reading, the most significant factor is students' engagement with reading. Students in major cities achieved a higher average score on the engagement with reading index than students in remote areas;

•  Students in remote areas have access to well-qualified teachers;

•  Females outscored males in reading literacy in all locations;

•  Schools in remote areas tended to have a lower level of resources;

•  The level of parent education attained was associated with higher student performance across all locations;

•  Across all locations, there was a positive association between students who show positive reading/homework behaviour, exhibit a positive academic self-concept and reading literacy performance.

The full version of this report on the effects of geographical location on Australian students' performance in PISA 2000 can be downloaded from the reports page.