The Use and Abuse of International Comparative Research on Student Achievement

Abstract

In more and more European countries the conditions and the output of education are systematically monitored — often every year. These analyses focus on the question of which educational standards are reached by different age groups, the standard of their grades in different subjects, and which conditions moderate the differences in student achievement. The aim is to establish a basis for the discussion on quantity and quality of the educational system of the corresponding country. This is done by implementing national studies or by participating in international studies on school achievement. This kind of output control seems to be necessary for the autonomy of schools. Furthermore, the feedback about student achievement could be an important aid for schools and their staff to improve their own quality management. External evaluation can be seen as an important means of supporting the process of school development. This article is the keynote held at the European Conference on Educational Research, Germany, Hamburg, 15–19 September 2003.