The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is an internationally standardised assessment that was jointly developed by participating economies and administered to15-year-olds in schools. In all PISA cycles the domains of reading, mathematical and science literacy are assessed. Four assessments have so far been carried out. In 2000 the main focus was on reading literacy, In PISA 2003, the emphasis was on mathematical literacy and an additional domain on problem solving was introduced. In 2006 the focus was on scientific literacy. In the 2009 cycle the assessment of the reading of electronic texts has been introduced as an option. In 2012 the focus of assessment will again be reading. Data for the assessment which took place in 2009 was released on 7 December 2010.

In this symposium curricular implications of PISA results and trends will be presented and discussed from the perspective of three participating European countries: Germany (Bavaria), Finland and the Netherlands.