PISA 2026 Analysis: Mexico Below OECD Average, Major Challenges for Education System

The PISA 2026 results have drawn international attention to the state of education in Mexico. According to official data, Mexican students scored 388 in math, 408 in reading, and 414 in science. Compared to the OECD average, these figures are significantly lower: OECD math average 463, reading 461, science 482. This decline is not just numbers; it reflects deep issues in Mexico's comprehensive education system, from teaching quality, facilities, to psychological support for students. The context of PISA 2026 is not a standard test. This is an assessment of 15-year-old students' abilities worldwide, conducted by the OECD. This time, the test focuses on three main subjects: mathematics, reading, and science, with more complex questions than before, emphasizing the application of real-world knowledge rather than rote memorization. Mexico participated on a large scale, but the results showed a clear gap compared to neighboring countries in Latin America. Compared to 2026, Mexico's scores slightly declined in math and science, while reading remained at the same level. A deeper analysis shows that the main reason lies in the quality of teachers. Many schools in Mexico lack fully qualified teachers, leading to students being left behind in rural areas and border regions. According to the Ministry of Education report, about 40% of schools lack science labs and basic computing equipment. This significantly reduces the ability to apply knowledge in practice, especially in science. Furthermore, the extremely high exam pressure in some states like Nuevo León or Mexico City has caused students to become exhausted, leading to overall performance reduction. Economically, Mexico is a country with a per capita GDP of about 12,000 USD, but education spending only accounts for 5.2% of total expenditure, lower than the OECD average of 5.8%. This has led to outdated infrastructure, from schools to libraries. In contrast, neighboring countries like Chile have heavily invested in education, maintaining stable PISA scores of 420-450. This difference shows Mexico is facing a serious education gap, where economic development is not matched by educational quality improvement. On the social side, the PISA 2026 results also reflect the rich-poor gap. Students from higher-income families score twice as high as the low-income group. In Mexico, about 25% of students live in poverty, affecting access to learning materials and focus in class. This creates a cycle: poor students perform worse, leading to limited job opportunities later. Compared to developed countries, OECD emphasizes that PISA measures not only scores but also equality in education. Mexico currently ranks lowest in the equity index in the region.