Russian senior schoolchildren showed results, rated below average, during international reading and mathematics test, held under the auspices of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Tests, called PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), were conducted among 15-year old schoolchildren in 58 countries. Russia resulted in “low intermediate” group in reading, mathematics and natural sciences.
      
      Within “low intermediate” group Russia falls behind Iceland, Norway, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Luxemburg, Croatia, Portugal, Lithuania, Italy, Slovakia, Spain, Greece, Turkey and Chili. Strong mathematicians were found in Slovakia, Hungary, Luxemburg, Norway, Lithuania, Latvia, Spain and Azerbaijan. In PISA rating Russia is followed by the United States.
      
      However, current results of many large European countries appeared to be worse than previous ones. Great Britain, for example, moved to “intermediate” group from its previous “upper intermediate” position. First place in reading comprehension went to South Korea, and in mathematics to Taiwan. Finland won second place in both fields, and third place, in both fields as well, went to Hong Kong.
      
      Source: BBC