What Enhances Mathematical Ability? A Cross-Country Analysis Based on Test Scores of 15-year Olds

This paper examines the mathematical abilities of 15-year olds in a range of countries which participated in the 2003 cycle of the OCED’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Utilising information on the scores obtained by individual students in the mathematical part of the PISA assessment, we use a range of indicators from the literature on inequality and poverty to evaluate the “mathematical performance” of participating countries. Since data from PISA contained a wealth of information on the circumstances of the students, in terms of their home and school environment, we identify, and examine the relative influence of, factors which serve to enhance the mathematical performance of students in the PISA assessment.