In this issue:

• TIMSS & PIRLS special edition
• Study reveals disappointing results for Australia
• School improvement the key
• Equity will lead to success
• ACER Update

This edition of eNews focuses on the latest results from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) released the TIMSS & PIRLS 2011 national reports on Tuesday, 11 December 2012.

Reports released by ACER on Tuesday, 11 December 2012 reveal disappointing results for Australia in the latest international study of mathematics and science achievement, and in Australia’s first ever international assessment of reading at primary school level.

Releasing the results, ACER Chief Executive Professor Geoff Masters said, 'To say the results are disappointing is an understatement.'

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In this opinion article, originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald, ACER Chief Executive Professor Geoff Masters argues that substantial improvements in Australian reading, mathematics and science performances will require school improvement plans focused on the things that matter most.

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In this opinion article, originally published in The Conversation, ACER's Director of Educational Monitoring and Research, Dr Sue Thomson, argues that Australia's aim should be to provide an equitable system, ensuring that every child has the opportunity for and knows the pathway to success.

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TIMSS & PIRLS 2011 reports
For detailed information about Australia’s performance in the 2011 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the 2011 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), please refer to the following reports:

Highlights from TIMSS & PIRLS 2011 from Australia’s perspective (PDF: 36 pages, 1.2 MB)
Sue Thomson, Kylie Hillman, Nicole Wernert, Marina Schmid, Sarah Buckley and Ann Munene. (2012) Melbourne: ACER.

Monitoring Australian Year 4 student achievement internationally: TIMSS and PIRLS 2011 (PDF: 273 pages, 3.4 MB)
Sue Thomson, Kylie Hillman, Nicole Wernert, Marina Schmid, Sarah Buckley and Ann Munene. (2012) Melbourne: ACER.

Monitoring Australian Year 8 student achievement internationally: TIMSS 2011 (PDF: 194 pages, 2.6 MB)
Sue Thomson, Kylie Hillman and Nicole Wernert. (2012) Melbourne: ACER. 

Season's greetings from ACER
The management and staff of ACER wish you all the best for the festive season. Please note that our offices will be closed from midday on Monday 24 December and will reopen on  Wednesday 2 January.