The TIMSS Report
The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is a tool used to measure trends in mathematics and science achievement in participating countries. It is conducted on a 4-year cycle and was developed by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). The study has, to date, been undertaken in 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007. Countries participating receive data on the mathematics and science achievement of their students in relation to other participating countries. Students participating answer the same assessment items, making it possible to compare performance with their peers in participating countries.
The TIMSS Mathematics Assessment has been administered as follows:
| TIMSS 1995 |
Assessed grades 4, 8 and final year of secondary school with 42 participating countries |
| TIMSS 1999 |
Grade 8 with 38 participating countries |
| TIMSS 2003 |
Grades 4 and 8 with a total of 46 participating countries |
| TIMSS 2007 |
Grades 4 and 8 with a total of 48 participating countries |
The results from the 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007 tests consistently show Singapore at or among the top in achievement for participating countries while the US has ranked only slightly above the International average.
In the 2007 TIMSS study that showed Singapore among the world's math leaders, the US came in 9th out of 48 participating nations.
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