However, several developing countries consistently perform well and show promising progress in education:
* Vietnam: Vietnam has consistently shown impressive gains in education, particularly in math and science, often outperforming many other developing nations on international assessments like PISA. They prioritize teacher training and have a strong emphasis on primary education.
* Estonia (while arguably a developed country now, it was considered a developing one just a generation ago): Estonia provides a good example of how rapid education reforms can lead to strong outcomes. Their focus on technology integration and digital literacy is noteworthy.
* Several countries in East Asia: While some are on the cusp of developed nation status, countries like South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore (often cited) have long invested heavily in education and seen significant returns. However, their systems aren't always easily replicable due to specific cultural and historical factors.
It's crucial to remember that even within countries considered to have strong systems, significant disparities exist based on region, socioeconomic status, and other factors. No system is perfect. Furthermore, ranking countries solely on test scores ignores important aspects like creativity, critical thinking, and other vital skills.