The results of a 2012 global test of 15-year-old students in 65 countries and economies in reading, math, and science show that the top five scoring countries were all in Asia.

The Program for International Student Assessment test is administered by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. In each test subject, the score for each participating country is the average of all student scores in that country. The average score among OECD countries is 500 points and the standard deviation is 100 points. About two-thirds of students across OECD countries score between 400 and 600 points.

Math mean score

Source: OECD, PISA 2012 Results

Reading mean score

Source: OECD, PISA 2012 Results

Science mean score

Source: OECD, PISA 2012 Results

Percent of students who said they skipped classes or days of school

Source: OECD, PISA 2012 Results

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Russia set to shut down 40 percent of universities by end of 2016

Educational reforms are also taking place in Russia but are met with similar skepticism. The government plans to cut 40 percent of Russian universities by the end of next year. Some worry the closures are being pursued too fast and Russia’s education system could pay the price. Tom Barton filed this report from Moscow.

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Michael Horn on global education systems 

To discuss the state of educational systems around the world, CCTV America was joined by Michael Horn – in the U.S. city of Philadelphia. He’s Co-Founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, a think tank focusing on redefining the way issues like education are addressed.