PISA has been developed by OECD, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, to compare performance in mathematics in the 24 member countries (economically developed nations including the US). National scores have political importance that is growing steadily.

PISA measures students' mathematical literacy - their effective use of mathematics in practical everyday life contexts. PISA complements TIMSS, The Third International Mathematis and Science Study, which is less focused on the practical applications of mathematics.

PISA mathematics tasks are mostly short response items (including multiple choice) and also include some more open items. Teachers will find the released tasks valuable in the classroom, helping students see how math can give them power over the real world, in improved understanding and in better-informed decisions.

The tasks provide a stimulus for classroom discussion of mathematics. They can help motivate students who currently do not regard school mathematics as relevant to their lives or concerns. An exemplar task for PISA 2003 Mathematics is included in the dowload extended report.