Response to Public Comment

Docket: ED-2014-ICCD-0105
Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2015 (TIMSS:2015) Main Study

Comment On: ED-2014-ICCD-0105-0001
Document: ED-2014-ICCD-0105-0004
Comment on FR Doc # 2014-17415

Name: Randi Weingarten
Submitter's Representative: Serette Kaminski
Organization: American Federation of Teachers

August 7, 2014

Ms. Kate Mullan

Acting Director of the Information Collection Clearance Division

U.S. Department of Education,

400 Maryland Ave. S.W., LBJ

Mailstop L-OM-2-2E319, Room 2E103

Washington, DC 20202

(Submitted electronically via: www.regulations.gov)

Dear Ms. Mullan:

This letter is in response to the request for comments on the proposed participation of the United States in the 2015 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and TIMSS Advanced main study; published July 24, 2014, docket number ED-2014-ICCD-0105.

The American Federation of Teachers supports the Department of Education's participation in the global2015 TIMSS and TIMSS Advanced and believes this data collection is necessary and within the proper functions of the department. TIMSS does not hold undue burden because the testing process is a random sampling done once every four years, rather than a yearly test for all 12th- grade students.

The United States last participated in the TIMSS Advanced in 1995, but did not participate in the 2008 study; we have not had a significant global study that includes U.S. student progress in advanced mathematics and science in almost 20 years. The results from the TIMSS Advanced study would be an important step in assessing progress at the advanced level and informing the direction of our advanced programs that prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

We look forward to a responsible analysis of TIMSS and TIMSS Advanced that will help educators and the public understand the conditions and system characteristics that contribute to excellence.

Sincerely,

Randi Weingarten

President

RW: mc opeiu#2 afl-cio

NCES RESPONSE

We are very pleased that the American Federation of Teachers supports the United State's participation in TIMSS and TIMSS Advanced in 2015.  We agree that these studies are extremely important in understanding U.S. student performance in an international context and the global competitiveness of our nation's students.  Your support of TIMSS Advanced, in particular, is greatly appreciated.  We will work hard to ensure that our selected students, teachers, and schools also understand the value of participation so that our results are valid.  

Thank you for your support of TIMSS and TIMSS Advanced.  

With regards,

Stephen Provasnik, Ph.D.
TIMSS National Research Coordinator
International Activities Program
National Center for Education Statistics