The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a system of international assessments that focus on 15-year-olds' capabilities in reading literacy, mathematics literacy, and science literacy. PISA 2000 was the first cycle of PISA, which will be conducted every three years, with a primary focus on one area for each cycle. PISA 2000 focused on reading literacy; mathematics literacy was the focus in 2003, and science literacy will be the focus in 2006. In 2009, the focus will again be on reading literacy. In addition to assessment data, PISA provides background information on school context and student demographics to benchmark performance and inform policy.
There are few changes to PISA 2009 from the previous rounds of data collection. The main change is that the assessment will focus on reading literacy during this cycle. The result is that the bulk of the items will be reading items and that science and math will be the secondary components. The inclusion of the Electronic Reading Assessment (ERA) in the field trial also represents a significant change. There are also minor changes in wording to some of the questionnaire items, and questions that focused on student attitudes toward science or math now focus on attitudes toward reading.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
State Notification Letter Field Trial 1-28-08(3).doc
PISA Flyer 6 1-29-8.pdf
PISA Student Questionnaires