ABSTRACT
This chapter examines OECD’s growing role in influencing global educational policy directions by linking these developments to the expansion of PISA’s explanatory power. As OECD leaders, officials and publications like to boast, PISA is the "world’s global benchmark for the quality, equity and efficiency of school systems." Through a critical policy analysis lens, the chapter problematizes the legitimacy of PISA’s explanatory power by pointing to OECD marketing and policy framing practices. Drawing on a range of OECD communication tools (press releases, website information, social media) and analysis of 68 PISA in Focus publications, the chapter argues that OECD marketing practices and framing bias of PISA educational policy advice help to bolster PISA explanatory power. In conclusion, the chapter suggests reframing PISA educational policy narratives so that they could inform progressive storylines and create plotlines that radically transform economic and educational institutions.
