What we can learn from the OECD Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC)?

December 2024, the OECD released its report for The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). This survey takes a deep look at the essential skills (literacy, numeracy, problem solving) of working age adults across 31 countries. The report explores the proficiency levels of these skills and their distribution. It also identifies where the skills are developed and how they are used. In addition, the report describes the economic and social returns on these skills.As with any study, the data should serve as a launch pad for each country to ask good questions through follow-up research. What are the trends over time? Are there groups that are more vulnerable? 

Join panelists Glenda Quintini (Head of Skills and Future Readiness Division, OECD; Paris, France), Noel Baldwin (Executive Director, Future Skills Centre); Toronto, Canada) and our facilitator Dominic Regester (Director, Center for Education Transformation, Salzburg Global; Salzburg, Austria) for this compelling discussion. Registrants are welcome to engage with these leaders through the chat.


1.  What is PIAAC? What have we learned through the latest survey? Are there countries that have higher levels of adult skills? Do we know some of the factors contributing to higher levels?

2.  What are the key areas for follow-up research?

3.  How can K-12 and postsecondary evolve to better prepare students for the adult world? Is there a role for employers, communities, governments?