TIMSS is an international assessment conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). It measures the mathematics and science knowledge of students in Grades 4 and 8. First administered in 1995, TIMSS occurs every four years and allows countries to monitor educational progress over time.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, TIMSS assessments are administered to Grade 4 students. Grade 8 students participate in the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program (PCAP) instead.
TIMSS assesses two subject areas:
- Mathematics
- Science
These subjects are measured using a framework that includes:
- a content dimension specifying the domains or subject matter to be assessed within mathematics and science; and
- a cognitive dimension specifying the domains or thinking processes expected of students as they engage with the mathematics and science content.
TIMSS content domains:
- Numbers
- Geometric Shapes and Measures
- Data display
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Earth Sciences
TIMSS provides education policy-makers, administrators, teachers, and researchers with valuable insight into how the education system is performing. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) and NLSchools use TIMSS data alongside other sources to inform program development and allocate resources effectively.
TIMSS 2019 (Grade 4 Students)
- Mathematics: NL average score was 476. This was below the Canadian average of 512.
- Science: NL average score was 519, compared to the Canadian average of 523.
The assessment takes approximately 70 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for students to complete a background questionnaire. Parents/guardians, teachers, and school administrators also complete questionnaires to provide context on the learning environment.
TIMSS results offer valuable context on how curriculum, instruction, and home/school environments support learning.