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Australian testing in TIMSS study complete Around 12 000 students Australia-wide undertook testing of their maths and science achievement levels in late 2002 as part of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2002/3 managed by ACER. TIMSS is a large international study, involving around 400 000 students in 50 countries, designed to measure trends in students' knowledge and abilities in mathematics and science and to investigate the cultural environments, teaching practices, curriculum goals and institutional arrangements that are associated with achievement. First taking place in 1994/5, with follow-up studies in 1998/9 and 2002/3, t he study provides the opportunity to analyse internationally comparable data in mathematics and science at both Year 4 and Year 8 levels. The purpose of TIMSS Trends 2002/03 is to continue to monitor trends in mathematics and science at Year 8 level while measuring trends at Year 4 level for the first time. TIMSS Trends 2002/03 will also provide countries not previously participating in TIMSS an opportunity to collect TIMSS data. The study is conducted under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). The study in Australia has been agreed to by the Commonwealth and state and territory educational authorities. ACER is the National Centre for TIMSS Trends in Australia. A National Advisory Committee is monitoring the program and providing advice. A sample of schools representing all school systems throughout the country was selected, using random sampling procedures, to represent Australia. One class at each level from each school was randomly selected to take part in the study. Year 4 and Year 8 in all states and territories participated. In addition, year 9 was also tested in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory to maintain the trends from 1994 and 1998. The level of participation of the selected schools determines whether Australia's results will be used in international comparisons. It was therefore very important that the schools took part in the study. The participation was invaluable to the success of the Australian study. Testing will begin early in 2003 in northern hemisphere countries and be completed by mid-year. The initial results of the project are expected to be published in 2004. Further information about the TIMSS study can be found on the ACER web site at www.acer.edu.au/research « Back to eNews
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Around 12 000 students Australia-wide undertook testing of their maths and science achievement levels in late 2002 as part of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2002/3 managed by ACER.

TIMSS is a large international study, involving around 400 000 students in 50 countries, designed to measure trends in students' knowledge and abilities in mathematics and science and to investigate the cultural environments, teaching practices, curriculum goals and institutional arrangements that are associated with achievement. First taking place in 1994/5, with follow-up studies in 1998/9 and 2002/3, t he study provides the opportunity to analyse internationally comparable data in mathematics and science at both Year 4 and Year 8 levels.

The purpose of TIMSS Trends 2002/03 is to continue to monitor trends in mathematics and science at Year 8 level while measuring trends at Year 4 level for the first time. TIMSS Trends 2002/03 will also provide countries not previously participating in TIMSS an opportunity to collect TIMSS data.

The study is conducted under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). The study in Australia has been agreed to by the Commonwealth and state and territory educational authorities. ACER is the National Centre for TIMSS Trends in Australia. A National Advisory Committee is monitoring the program and providing advice.

A sample of schools representing all school systems throughout the country was selected, using random sampling procedures, to represent Australia. One class at each level from each school was randomly selected to take part in the study. Year 4 and Year 8 in all states and territories participated. In addition, year 9 was also tested in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory to maintain the trends from 1994 and 1998.

The level of participation of the selected schools determines whether Australia's results will be used in international comparisons. It was therefore very important that the schools took part in the study. The participation was invaluable to the success of the Australian study.

Testing will begin early in 2003 in northern hemisphere countries and be completed by mid-year. The initial results of the project are expected to be published in 2004.

Further information about the TIMSS study can be found on the ACER web site at www.acer.edu.au/research

Australian testing in TIMSS study complete