Claudia Sheinbaum defends the quality of public education in Mexico following PISA test results
The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, defended the country’s public education system in response to criticism from various sectors questioning its effectiveness compared to private institutions. During her “Honesty and Results” conference, held recently in Yucatán, the president highlighted that public schools have shown outstanding performance in the 2025 PISA test results.
Sheinbaum took the opportunity to question the methodology of these international evaluations, pointing out that it is not possible to apply standardized metrics to the entire student population. According to the head of state, the diversity of social contexts in Mexico prevents a linear comparison, since each student faces a different reality that must be considered when analyzing their academic performance.
Education is good thanks to the teachers of Mexico, thanks to the national teaching profession. That is the public education of Mexico, which must always be defended.
Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico
Recognition of the teaching profession and challenges in equity
The president was emphatic in supporting the work of Mexican teachers, rejecting arguments that link unionization with low educational quality. Sheinbaum stressed that, despite allegations of corruption or abuses from the past, teachers have been the fundamental pillar of the system, and that the defense of their labor rights should not be used to discredit their commitment to student learning.
In this sense, he highlighted that international indicators have recognized Mexico as one of the countries where teachers offer the greatest support and where there is a notable interest on the part of the students in acquiring new knowledge.
Gender gaps and economic inequalities
Despite the defense of the system, the 2025 PISA assessment data reveal significant challenges that the country must address to ensure equity:
- Gender gap: 15-year-old female students score 13 points lower than males in science, which could impact their future access to better-paid careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Socioeconomic inequality: There is a 68-point difference in science performance between students with greater economic advantages and those with fewer resources, a gap that has remained stable over the last decade.
- Academic results: The country continues to face difficulties in mathematics and reading, with setbacks recorded compared to measurements taken between 2009 and 2018.
These results demonstrate that, beyond general performance, the Mexican educational system faces the structural challenge of closing the gaps caused by household conditions and gender disparities, elements that remain determining factors in the academic success of young people.
