Mathematics Education Reform in Slovakia: Aligning National Assessments with PISA Standards
Mathematics Education Reform in Slovakia: Aligning National Assessments with PISA Standards

Summary/Abstract: International large-scale assessments, particularly PISA, have a significant influence on educational policy and curriculum development. Previous research highlights that sustained underperformance of Slovak pupils is often associated with an insufficient emphasis on real-life and application-oriented tasks in mathematics education. In response, an ongoing curriculum reform in Slovakia aims to align national education more closely with international assessment frameworks. The present study investigates the process of modifying the national mathematics assessment system to better reflect PISA standards, with a focus on the integration of criterion-referenced testing alongside traditional normative testing. The underlying hypothesis assumes that newly designed assessment tools can more accurately capture pupils achieved levels in key educational areas. A pilot study was conducted using newly developed mathematics tests administered to a representative sample of pupils (N = 1047), and the data were analysed using statistical evaluation methods appropriate for educational measurement. The results reveal both strengths and limitations of the proposed testing tool, including specific shortcomings identified during the first experimental administration. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for further refinement of national assessments and contribute to improving the validity of large-scale testing in mathematics education, thereby supporting more effective curriculum reform and instructional practice.

• Details
• Contents