This report provides a systematic review and empirical evidence related to the experiences of middle-income countries and economies participating in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), 2000 to 2015. PISA is a triennial survey that aims to evaluate education systems worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students. To date, students representing more than 70 countries and economies have participated in the assessment, including 44 middle-income countries, many of which are developing countries receiving foreign aid. This report provides answers to six important questions about these middle-income countries and their experiences of participating in PISA : What is the extent of developing country participation in PISA and other international learning assessments ? Why do these countries join PISA ? What are the financial, technical, and cultural challenges for their participation in PISA ? What impact has participation had on their national assessment capacity ? How have PISA results influenced their national policy discussions ? And what does PISA data tell us about education in these countries and the policies and practices that influence student performance ?
