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Mathematics
and science educators are looking carefully at Pursuing Excellence,
a summary of the first results from the Third International Mathematics
and Science Study (TIMSS), an ambitious effort that examined a half
million students in 41 countries during the 1995 school year. Pursuing
Excellence, provides a detailed interpretation of TIMSS results,
which placed U.S. eighth graders below the international average
in mathematics and above the average in science. U.S. students'
scores were not significantly different from those of English or
German students in either subject. The results, which include comparisons
of teaching methods, curricula, time spent in class, student homework
loads, after-school activities and many other variables, provides
a fascinating and complex picture. Full text of Pursuing Excellence
is available on the Web site www.ed.gov/NCES/timss or from
the U.S. Department of Education at 1-202-219-1395.
For
a more detailed examination of the science and mathematics results,
two reports, Science Achievement in the Middle School Years
and Mathematics Achievement in the Middle School Years,
are available. These books include sample assessment questions as
well as selected information about students' backgrounds, and classroom
practices in teaching science and mathematics. The books cost $30
each. For ordering information contact:
TIMSS
International Study Center
Center for the Study of Testing Evaluation, and Educational Policy
Campion Hall
School of Education
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA 02167
Call 1-617-552-4521
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