Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study

Welcome to TIMSS

TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) is the world's longest running mathematics and science study, designed to help countries all over the world improve student learning. It collects educational achievement data at Year 4 and Year 8 to provide information about trends in performance over time.

TIMSS is conducted on a four-year cycle, and assessments have been carried out in 1994/95, 1998/99, 2002/03 and 2006/07.  The assessment in the southern hemisphere countries takes place in the year prior to the assessment in the northern hemisphere, to ensure that students are at the same stage of the school year. Preparation is already underway for TIMSS 2011.  

To inform educational policy in the participating countries, this world-wide assessment and research project also routinely collects extensive background information that addresses concerns about the quantity, quality, and content of instruction. For example, detailed information about mathematics and science curriculum coverage and implementation, as well as teacher preparation, resource availability, and the use of technology are routinely collected from teachers and principals.

Who's involved in TIMSS?

More than 60 countries from all over the world participated in the most recent TIMSS study, and this number continues to grow.

The countries highlighted in green participated in TIMSS 2006/07. In Australia more than 5000 year 4 students and more than 5000 year 8 students participated.

Go to IEA.TIMSS is a project of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) and is directed by the TIMSS International Study Center at Boston College in collaboration with a worldwide network of organizations and representatives from the participating countries. ACER is responsible for undertaking the data collection in Australian schools.

What's new?

Achievement of Australia's Early Secondary Indigenous Students: Findings from TIMSS 2003. (TIMSS Australia Monograph no. 10) Sue Thomson, Pippa McKelvie, Hanna Murnane (2006) Melbourne: ACER. BRIEF REPORT Download Report (PDF: 938KB)