Australian high school students have recorded their worst maths and reading results in Programme for International Assessment (PISA) test results released on 8 September.
The following La Trobe University experts are available to discuss the results – and what they mean for the nation's schools, teachers and students:
Professor Pamela Snow
A Distinguished Professor of Cognitive Psychology and Co-Director of La Trobe's Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) Lab. Professor Snow is one of Australia's foremost authorities on the science of reading.
Topics to discuss:
- Reading results have hit their lowest point on record. Why are our literacy rates continuing to decline?
- Many schools have already introduced explicit teaching. Why aren’t we seeing any change in our results?
- What needs to be done to halt the decline in literacy results?
Professor Snow is available between 7am and 8am on Wednesday, 9 September, via media adviser Robyn Grace on 0420 826 595 or [email protected].
Professor Therese Keane
Professor Keane’s research investigates how learners, educators, leaders and systems engage with transformative digital technologies. She has made sustained contributions to advancing equity, innovation and excellence in STEM and digital education, particularly in relation to girls‘ participation and inclusion in computing.
Topics to discuss:
- How have AI and digital distractions contributed to these results?
- Is too much screen time a problem for Australian schools?
- Australia ranks above the OECD average in the “learning in the digital world" category. What does this mean?
Professor Keane is available via media adviser Robyn Grace on 0420 826 595 or [email protected].
Associate Professor Chrissy Monteleone
Co-Director of La Trobe’s Science of Mathematics Education (SOME) Lab. Associate Professor Monteleone leads research initiatives focusing on the development of explicit questioning techniques that foster critical mathematical thinking in young learners.
Topics to discuss:
- Maths results reached their lowest point on record. Why are they continuing to decline?
- The gender gap has widened in maths between 2022 and 2025 in favour of boys. What does that tell us about our schools?
- Is a change to the primary school maths curriculum the answer?
Associate Professor Monteleone is available via media adviser Robyn Grace on 0420 826 595 or [email protected].
Professor Tanya Serry
Professor of Literacy and Reading and Co-Director of La Trobe's Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) Lab. Professor Serry's research centres on the policy and practices of evidence-based reading instruction and intervention practices for students across the educational lifespan.
Topics to discuss:
- How can explicit teaching improve schools’ reading results?
- Disruption remains a challenge in our Australian classrooms. Why is Australia among lowest ranked countries discipline in classrooms?
- Australian students also skipped school at almost twice the OECD average. What can we do to improve attendance?
Professor Serry is available via media adviser Robyn Grace on 0420 826 595 or [email protected].
