**Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)**

Presentation to the National Math Panel

November 5, 2006

####### The Message from TIMSS 1995

-   U.S. mathematics performance - mediocre from an international
    perspective

    -   Just about average on the TIMSS mathematics scale

    -   TIMSS mathematics scale developed in 1995 (average 500, standard
        deviation 100)

        -   U.S. mathematics performance, in relation to scale average,
            lower and lower with each grade assessed

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    -   Fourth, Eighth, Twelfth

**[TIMSS 1995 Achievement Results]{.underline}**

-   Fourth Grade

    -   Above average (518 compared to 500 average)

    -   Well behind Singapore (590)

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    -   Eighth Grade

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    -   Almost average (492)

    -   Further behind Singapore (609)

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    -   Twelfth Grade

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    -   Mathematics Literacy -- below average (461)

    -   Advanced Mathematics -- Also below average (442)

####### The Message from TIMSS 1999

-   Hypothesis:

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-   Argued that recent reforms in education had their greatest impact at
    the earlier grades

-   Second TIMSS would show better results for eighth grade in 1999 than
    in 1995

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-   Eighth Grade in 1999 -- still about average (502)

    -   Little sign of expected improvement

    -   The 1995 fourth graders as eighth graders in 1999 lost ground,
        relatively speaking, from above average to about average

####### The Message from TIMSS 2003

-   Eighth Grade

    -   Still just about average (504)

    -   However, gradual improvement from 1995 to 2003 (492 to 504)

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    -   Fourth Grade

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    -   Holding steady from 1995 to 2003 (518 and 518)

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    -   Asian countries top performers

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    -   e.g., Singapore 605 at eighth grade, 594 at fourth grade

**[The TIMSS Advanced International Benchmark (625)]{.underline}**

**What eighth-grade students reaching this level can do**

-   Apply algebraic concepts and relationships to solve problems

-   Solve simultaneous linear equations

-   Model simple situations algebraically

-   Apply measurement and geometry in complex problem situations

**[The TIMSS Advanced International Benchmark (625)]{.underline}**

Percentage of eighth-grade students reaching the advanced benchmark in
2003

Singapore 44%

Chinese Taipei 38%

Korea, Rep. of 35%

Hong Kong SAR 35%

Japan 24%

United States 7%

Why Do so Many Students in the Asian Countries Learn Algebra by the
Eighth Grade?

-   More country resources?

    -   Japan and United States similar and highest among TIMSS 2003
        participants (about US\$35,000)

    -   Singapore and Hong Kong SAR are about in mid-range (US\$20,000
        to 25,000)

    -   Korea and Chinese Taipei have comparatively modest per capita
        GNI (about US\$10,000)

        -   Actually, the United States is an underachiever

####### National Curriculum and Exams?

Countries' reports on having a national curriculum and high-stakes
examinations

[Curriculum]{.underline} [Exams]{.underline}

Singapore Yes Yes

Chinese Taipei Yes Yes

Korea, Rep. of Yes Yes

Hong Kong SAR Yes Yes

Japan Yes Yes

United States No No

####### Intended Curriculum?

Percentage of TIMSS algebra topics intended to be taught by eighth-grade

Singapore 100%

Chinese Taipei 67%

Korea, Rep. of 83%

Hong Kong SAR 50%

Japan 100%

United States 83%

####### Curriculum Taught?

Percentage of eighth-grade students taught the TIMSS algebra topics

Singapore 89%

Chinese Taipei 89%

Korea, Rep. of 87%

Hong Kong SAR 66%

Japan 92%

United States 80%

####### Teacher Preparation?

> Percentage of eighth-grade students taught by teachers with
> mathematics as a major area of study

Singapore 86%

Chinese Taipei 80%

Korea, Rep. of 37%

Hong Kong SAR 63%

Japan 81%

United States 48%

####### Readiness to Teach Algebra?

> Percentage of eighth-grade students taught by teachers feeling ready
> to teach algebra

Singapore 98%

Chinese Taipei 100%

Korea, Rep. of 99%

Hong Kong SAR 99%

Japan 97%

United States 99%

####### School Attendance?

> Percentage of eighth-grade students in schools where principals report
> good attendance

Singapore 41%

Chinese Taipei 51%

Korea, Rep. of 51%

Hong Kong SAR 27%

Japan 12%

United States 18%

####### Class Time Devoted to Algebra and Geometry?

Teachers' reports of percentage of time spent at eighth grade

Algebra Geometry

Singapore 34% 21%

Chinese Taipei 35% 38%

Korea, Rep. of 27% 26%

Hong Kong SAR 32% 28%

Japan 31% 34%

United States 41% 15%

####### Calculator Use?

> Percentage of eighth-grade students taught by teachers **NOT**
> permitting calculators

Singapore 0%

Chinese Taipei 34%

Korea, Rep. of 35%

Hong Kong SAR 2%

Japan 37%

United States 6%

####### Teacher Time Spent Lecturing?

> Teachers' reports of percentage of time spent lecturing in a typical
> week at eighth grade

Singapore 27%

Chinese Taipei 42%

Korea, Rep. of 30%

Hong Kong SAR 36%

Japan 27%

United States 18%