Gender gaps in mathematics and reading

The gender gaps in mathematics and reading achievement refer to the finding that, on average, boys and girls perform differently in mathematics and reading skills on tests.

[1][2][3] The Programme for International Student Assessment assesses the performance of 15-year-olds in mathematics and reading in OECD and OECD partner countries.

[4] The table below lists the scores of the PISA 2009 assessment in mathematics and reading by country, as well as the difference between girls and boys.

A positive mathematics gap means that boys outperform girls, while a negative mathematics gap means that girls outperform boys.

A positive reading gap means that girls outperform boys (this is true in every country, so no country has a negative reading gap).