TIMSS-R Science and Math Achievement Results
In 2000, the National Center for Education Statistics of the U.S. Department of Education
released the report Pursuing Excellence, summarizing results from the
Third International Mathematics and Science Study - Repeat.
By testing students in 38 nations on their knowledge of science and math
concepts, the study allows for a comparison of differing levels of achievement
internationally. In 1995, the study included students in the 4th, 8th and
12th grades, while this round covers only 8th graders. In addition to student
testing, teachers and schools were surveyed about teaching practices, training
and school policies.
Major findings
- US 8th graders scored slightly above the international average in science
and math achievement. However, there has been no significant improvement
in US 8th graders performance in science and math since 1995-the last time
the survey was conducted.
- More troubling, the relative performance of US students seems to drop as
they progress through school. When examining the 17 countries that participated
in the study both in 1995 and 1999, US students ranked higher against their
international peers in 4th grade (in 1995) than they did in 8th grade (in
1999). This implies that while US students learn a considerable amount of
science and math during those four years, they learn less than students in
many other countries.
- US boys outperformed girls in science, while there was no difference by
gender in math achievement.
- US students spent less time than their international peers studying and
doing homework in science and math.
 Learn
more about the TIMSS-R report
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the full report
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If you have any questions or comments concerning these data please
contact Michael
Neuschatz.
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