Publication Date
2-2026
Subjects
Academic achievement, Comparative analysis, International programs, International schools, Lower secondary years, Mathematics achievement, Middle years, Questionnaires, Reading achievement, Statistical analysis, Student assessment, Surveys, Test results, Tests, Upper primary years, Writing achievement
Abstract
This report compares the academic performance of International Baccalaureate (IB) students in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) with that of students in other accredited international schools, using data from the International Schools’ Assessment (ISA). The ISA is designed for students in international schools from grades 3 to 10 and evaluates proficiency in five domains: Mathematical Literacy, Reading, Scientific Literacy, Narrative Writing and Expository Writing. In addition, ISA scales for Mathematical Literacy, Reading and Scientific Literacy are based on the internationally recognized frameworks used in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), allowing for robust benchmarking and international comparability. This study replicates previous research (Tan, Bibby, 2010; Tan, Bibby, 2012; ACER, 2021), using more recent ISA (2023–2024) and PISA (2022) results.
Recommended Citation
Zhang, L.-C. (2026). Performance comparison between IB and Non-IB students on the International Schools’ Assessment: Applying Hierarchical Linear Modelling to the 2023 and 2024 data. International Baccalaureate. https://ibo.org/research/outcomes-research/pyp-studies/performance-comparison-between-ib-and-non-ib-students-on-the-international-schools-assessment-2026
Copyright Statement
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2026
Publisher
International Baccalaureate Organization
Included in
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, International and Comparative Education Commons