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Notes -
I wouldn't index on PISA scores too much.
National curriculums and latent interest in PISA scores play a large role. East/South Asian curriculum is STEM focused. By age 15, Asians are spending 10+hr/day studying for their standardized tests (Gaokao, Jee, Suneung ). In comparison, western students seem to be chilling. Even rigorous schools focus on students' ability to do projects and be well rounded. Also some countries care a lot about the day of the test (East Asia, some parts of Europe) and it is practically unknown in other countries.
Lastly, it can be gamed easily. PISA mostly samples from major cities. Due to the nature of the Hukuo system, urban China has a disproportionately high achieving population.
The scores are directionally correct and the quartiles won't change even after accounting for gamification. But a country's true rank can easily be off by a good 15 ranks in either direction.
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