Author(s) :

Sangjin Lee.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study examines the association of age at selection, ability grouping, and mandatory standardized testing with socio-economic fairness (SEF) in mathematics in Switzerland and Estonia. Using the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Program for International Student Assessment (OECD PISA) 2022, this research selects Switzerland and Estonia as contrasting cases due to their similar high performance in mathematics but different levels of stratification and accountability systems. The Pearson correlation coefficient analysis of SEF and the age at selection shows a moderateto- strong positive correlation (r = 0.4995, n = 21), whereas there is a weak negative correlation between SEF and ability grouping (r = -0.1125, n = 23). Descriptive comparison between Switzerland and Estonia provides no conclusive evidence to support that higher stratification is associated with a lower sense of belonging and self-confidence. In addition, a moderate positive correlation is found between SEF and mandatory standardized testing (r = 0.4799, n = 17), although this correlation should not be interpreted as causal. Overall, this paper’s findings suggest that earlier age at selection is associated more consistently with lower SEF in mathematics in high-performing education systems. The association between SEF in mathematics and mandatory standardized testing is positive but only suggestive, while the association between SEF in mathematics and ability grouping remains inconclusive.