Alberta's 15-year-olds rank high in the world in reading, scientific and mathematical literacy, according to the 2009 Programme for International Student Assessment.
The assessment, which was largely focused on reading, showed that Alberta students achieved the highest average score in reading literacy in Canada.
Internationally, Alberta students' reading literacy was second only to Shanghai-China and tied with South Korea, Finland and Hong Kong-China.
In math, Alberta students ranked second in Canada and eighth in the world. And in science, Alberta students were first in Canada and second worldwide.
"I am very encouraged by these results," said Alberta Education Minister Dave Hancock in a statement. "Alberta's education system continues to rank among the best in the world and Albertans can be confident that our schools are succeeding in preparing students to excel on the global stage."
However, Hancock said there has been some decline in Alberta's reading and mathematical literacy scores, so the government will continue to develop and implement programs to help students.
The assessment is administered every three years by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and looks at 15-year-old students' achievements in reading, math and scientific literacy.
Two-hour pencil and paper tests -- with a mixture of multiple choice and long answer questions -- are administered to a sample of about 4,500 to 10,000 students in each country. About 65 countries participated. The students are selected from a random sample of schools.
This is the fourth time Alberta has participated with about 2,900 students from public, separate, francophone, charter and private schools taking part. For more information on the assessment, visit the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's website.
