The Trends in Mathematics and Science
Study (TIMSS) is an international assessment of fourth and eighth
grade students achievement in mathematics and science. Since its
inception in 1995, TIMSS has continued to assess students every 4
years (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011). Participation in this study
provides data on current and past education policies and a
comparison of U.S. education policies with its international
counterparts. Periodically, TIMSS has also conducted an assessment
of advanced mathematics and physics of students at the end of
secondary school (1995 and 2008). The United States participated in
TIMSS Advanced in 1995, but not in 2008. Because of the current
strong policy interest in preparedness for college and for careers
in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields,
the U.S. plans to participate in TIMSS Advanced in 2015. This
submission describes the overarching plan for all phases of the
data collection, including the field test that will take place in
March-April, 2014, and the main study that will take place in
April-May, 2015. The purpose of the TIMSS field test is to evaluate
new assessment items and background questions (including the new
parent questionnaire), to ensure practices that promote low
exclusion rates, and to ensure that classroom and student sampling
procedures proposed for the main study are successful. This
submission requests approval for recruitment for the 2014 field
test and the 2015 main study; the 2014 field test data collection
for TIMSS at grades 4 and 8 and TIMSS Advanced in grade 12; and a
description of the overarching plan for all of the phases of the
data collection, including data collection in the 2015 main
study.
US Code:
20
USC 9543 Name of Law: Education Sciences Reform Act
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.