Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2019) Main Study Recruitment and Field Test

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND
SCIENCE STUDY (TIMSS 2019)

OMB# 1850-0695 v.10

APPENDIX C

TIMSS 2015 Questionnaires

Submitted by:

National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education
Institute of Education Sciences
Washington, DC

June 2017

APPENDIX C: TIMSS 2019 FIELD TEST QUESTIONNAIRES
The final international versions of the TIMSS 2019 field test questionnaires, along with their draft U.S. adaptations, will
become available in December 2017, after the National Research Coordinators (NRC) meeting in November 2017. The
TIMSS 2019 questionnaires will in large part be the same as the TIMSS 2015 main study questionnaires, which are
included here for review. Some questionnaire items may be revised, deleted, or added for trying out in the field test in
2018.
In December 2017, NCES will submit a request with a 30-day public comment period notice published in the Federal
Register, which will provide the final international versions of the field test instruments for data collection in March-April
2018, along with draft U.S. adaptations for these instruments. The final versions of the TIMSS 2019 field test instruments,
including finalized U.S. adaptations, will be submitted to OMB as a change request in January 2018.
Please note that the study authorization citation, confidentiality pledge, and PRA statement that were cited in the TIMSS
2015 questionnaires (as reflected in the included here instruments), will be replaced as follows:
The following statement will appear on the login page for eTIMSS, MyTIMSS, and the front cover of the printed
questionnaires (the phrase “search existing data resources, gather the data needed” will not be included on the student
questionnaire):
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, conducts TIMSS
in the United States as authorized by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in
identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of
information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this
voluntary information collection is 1850-0695. The time required to complete this information collection is
estimated to average [XX] minutes per [respondent type], including the time to review instructions [, search
existing data resources, gather the data needed,] and complete and review the information collection. If you have
any comments or concerns regarding the accuracy of the time estimate(s), suggestions for improving the form, or
questions about the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Trends in Mathematics and
Science Study (TIMSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street, SW, 4th
floor, Washington, DC 20202.
OMB No. 1850-0695, Approval Expires xx/xx/2020.

TIMSS 2015 Grades 4 and 8
• TIMSS 2015 Grade 4 Student Questionnaire...........................................................................................................3
• TIMSS 2015 Grade 8 Student Questionnaire.........................................................................................................29
• TIMSS 2015 Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire.........................................................................................................61
• TIMSS 2015 Grade 8 Mathematics Teacher Questionnaire...................................................................................85
• TIMSS 2015 Grade 8 Science Teacher Questionnaire ........................................................................................105
• TIMSS 2015 Grade 4 School Questionnaire .......................................................................................................125
• TIMSS 2015 Grade 8 School Questionnaire........................................................................................................137

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Do Not Turn Page Until
Instructed To Do So.

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Student
Questionnaire
Grade 4
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education
1990 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20006-5650

© IEA, 2014

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Directions
In this booklet, you will find questions about you and what you think. For each
question, you should choose the answer you think is best.
Let us take a few minutes to practice the kinds of questions you will answer in this
booklet.
Example 1 is one kind of question you will find in this booklet.

Example 1
Do you go to school?
Fill in one oval only.

Yes -- 1
No -- 2

Example 2 is another kind of question you will find in this booklet.

Example 2
How often do you do these things?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Every day
or almost
every day

Once or
twice a
week

Once or
twice a
month

a) I talk with my friends --------------- 1

2

3

4

b) I play sports ---------------------------- 1

2

3

4

c) I ride a skateboard ------------------- 1

2

3

4

2

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire
4

Never or
almost
never

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Example 3 is another kind of question you will find in this booklet.

Example 3
What do you think? Tell how much you agree with these
statements.
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) Watching movies is fun --------------- 1

2

3

4

b) I like eating ice cream ----------------- 1

2

3

4

c) I do not like waking up early -------- 1

2

3

4

d) I enjoy doing chores -------------------- 1

2

3

4

• Read each question carefully, and pick the answer you think is best.
• Fill in the oval next to or under your answer.
• If you decide to change your answer, completely erase your first choice.
Then, fill in the oval next to or under your new answer.

• Ask for help if you do not understand something or are not sure how to answer.

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire

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About You
1
A. Are you a girl or a boy?
Fill in one oval only.

Girl -- 1
Boy -- 2

B. Are you Hispanic or Latino?
Fill in one oval only.

Yes, I am Hispanic or Latino -- 1
No, I am not Hispanic or Latino -- 2

C. Which of the following best describes you?
Fill in ovals for all that apply.

White -- 1
Black or African American -- 1
Asian -- 1
American Indian or Alaska Native -- 1
Native Hawaiian or other
Pacific Islander -- 1

4

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire
6

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When were you born?
Fill in the ovals next to the month and year you were born.

a) Month

b) Year

January --- A

2002 --- 1

February --- B

2003 --- 2

March --- C

2004 --- 3

April --- D

2005 --- 4

May --- E

2006 --- 5

June --- F

2007 --- 6

July --- G

2008 --- 7

August --- H

Other --- 8

September --- I
October --- J
November --- K
December --- L

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire

5

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3
A. How often do you speak English at home?
Fill in one oval only.

I always speak
English at home --1 If Always, please go to question 4
I almost always speak
English at home --2
I sometimes speak English
and sometimes speak
another language at home --3
I never speak
English at home --4
If Almost always, Sometimes, Never,
please go to question 3B

B. What language do you speak at home (other than English)?
Fill in one oval only.

Spanish --1
Other --2 Please specify ________________

6

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire
8

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About how many books are there in your home? (Do not
count magazines, newspapers, or your school books.)
Fill in one oval only.

None or very few (0–10 books) -- 1

This shows 10 books

Enough to fill one shelf (11–25 books) -- 2

This shows 25 books

Enough to fill one bookcase
(26–100 books) -- 3

This shows 100 books

Enough to fill two bookcases
(101–200 books) -- 4

This shows 200 books

Enough to fill three or more bookcases
(more than 200) -- 5

This shows more than 200 books

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire

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5
Do you have any of these things at your home?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Yes

No

a) A computer or tablet of your own --------1

2

b) A computer or tablet that is shared
with other people at home -----------------1

2

c) Study desk/table for your use -------------1

2

d) Your own room ---------------------------------1

2

e) Internet connection --------------------------1

2

f)

Your own cell phone --------------------------1

2

g) A gaming system
(e.g., PlayStation,
Wii, Xbox) ---------------------------------------1

2

h) VCR, DVD, or Blu-ray player -------------1

2

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Grade 4 Student Questionnaire
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A. Was your mother (or stepmother or female legal
guardian) born in the United States? (“United States”
includes the 50 states, its territories, the District of
Columbia, and U.S. military bases abroad.)
Fill in one oval only.

Yes --1
No --2
I don’t know --3

B. Was your father (or stepfather or male legal guardian)
born in the United States?
Fill in one oval only.

Yes --1
No --2
I don’t know --3

Were you born in the United States?
Fill in one oval only.

Yes --1
No --2

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire

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8

The following questions ask about activities you do
outside of school.
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Yes

No

a) Do you play on a sports team
outside of school? ---------------------------- 1

2

b) Do you often play a musical
instrument outside of school? ----------- 1

2

c) Are you studying something in a
class outside of school? -------------------- 1

2

d) Do you belong to a club outside of
school (like Boy/Girl Scouts,
4-H, or Boys and Girls Club)? ----------- 1

2

9

Are you preparing for or have you participated in a
science club, a science fair, or a science competition?
Fill in one oval only.

Yes -- 1
No -- 2

10

Have you ever repeated a grade in elementary school?
Fill in one oval only.

Yes -- 1
No -- 2

10

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire
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A. About how often are you absent from school?
Fill in one oval only.

Once a week or more --1
Once every two weeks --2
Once a month --3
Never or almost never --4

B. How many days were you absent from school in the
last month?
Fill in one oval only.

None --1
1 or 2 days --2
3 or 4 days --3
5 to 10 days --4
More than 10 days --5

How often do you eat breakfast on school days?
Fill in one oval only.

Every day --1
Most days --2
Sometimes --3
Never or almost never --4

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire

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How often do you use a computer or tablet in each of
these places for schoolwork (including classroom
tasks, homework, studying outside of class)?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Every day
or almost
every day

Once or
twice a
week

Once or
twice a
month

Never or
almost
never

a) At home --------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

b) At school --------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

c) Some other place --------------------- 1

2

3

4

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Grade 4 Student Questionnaire
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Your School
14
What do you think about your school? Tell how
much you agree with these statements.
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I like being in school ------------------ 1

2

3

4

b) I feel safe when I am at school ----- 1

2

3

4

c) I feel like I belong at this school --- 1

2

3

4

d) I like to see my classmates
at school ----------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

e) Teachers at my school are
fair to me ---------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

f)

I am proud to go to this school ----- 1

2

3

4

g) I learn a lot in school ------------------ 1

2

3

4

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire

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During this school year, how often have other
students from your school done any of the following
things to you (including through texting or the
Internet)?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
At least
once a
week

Once or
twice
a month

A few
times
a year

Never

a) Made fun of me or
called me names -------------------------1

2

3

4

b) Left me out of their games
or activities --------------------------------1

2

3

4

c) Spread lies about me -------------------1

2

3

4

d) Stole something from me -------------1

2

3

4

e) Hit or hurt me (e.g., shoving,
hitting, kicking) --------------------------1

2

3

4

Made me do things I didn’t
want to do ---------------------------------1

2

3

4

g) Shared embarrassing
information about me ------------------1

2

3

4

h) Threatened me ---------------------------1

2

3

4

f)

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Grade 4 Student Questionnaire
16

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Mathematics in School
16
How much do you agree with these statements
about learning mathematics?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I enjoy learning mathematics -------1

2

3

4

b) I wish I did not have to study
mathematics ------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

c) Mathematics is boring -----------------1

2

3

4

d) I learn many interesting
things in mathematics -----------------1

2

3

4

e) I like mathematics ----------------------1

2

3

4

I like any schoolwork that
involves numbers ------------------------ 1

2

3

4

g) I like to solve mathematics
problems ----------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

h) I look forward to
mathematics lessons -------------------1

2

3

4

2

3

4

Mathematics is one of my
favorite subjects -------------------------1

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire

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f)

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How much do you agree with these statements
about your mathematics lessons?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I know what my teacher expects
me to do ------------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

b) My teacher is easy to understand -- 1

2

3

4

c) I am interested in what my
teacher says ------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

d) My teacher gives me interesting
things to do -------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

e) My teacher has clear answers to
my questions ------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

My teacher is good at explaining
mathematics ------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

g) My teacher lets me show what
I have learned ---------------------------- 1

2

3

4

h) My teacher does a variety of
things to help us learn ----------------- 1

2

3

4

My teacher tells me how to do
better when I make a mistake ------ 1

2

3

4

My teacher listens to what I
have to say -------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

f)

i)
j)

16

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire
18

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How much do you agree with these statements
about mathematics?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I usually do well in mathematics --- 1

2

3

4

b) Mathematics is harder for me
than for many of my classmates ---- 1

2

3

4

c) I am just not good at mathematics - 1

2

3

4

d) I learn things quickly
in mathematics -------------------------- 1

2

3

4

e) Mathematics makes me nervous --- 1

2

3

4

I am good at working out difcult
mathematics problems ---------------- 1

2

3

4

g) My teacher tells me I am good
at mathematics -------------------------- 1

2

3

4

h) Mathematics is harder for me
than any other subject ----------------- 1

2

3

4

i)

2

3

4

Mathematics makes me confused -- 1

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire

17
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f)

Science in School
19
How much do you agree with these statements
about learning science?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I enjoy learning science --------------- 1

2

3

4

b) I wish I did not have to
study science ------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

c) Science is boring ------------------------- 1

2

3

4

d) I learn many interesting
things in science ------------------------- 1

2

3

4

e) I like science ------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

I look forward to learning science
in school ------------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

g) Science teaches me how things in
the world work --------------------------- 1

2

3

4

h) I like to do science experiments ---- 1

2

3

4

2

3

4

f)

i)

Science is one of my
favorite subjects ------------------------- 1

18

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire
20

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How much do you agree with these statements
about your science lessons?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I know what my teacher expects
me to do ------------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

b) My teacher is easy to understand -- 1

2

3

4

c) I am interested in what my
teacher says ------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

d) My teacher gives me interesting
things to do -------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

e) My teacher has clear answers to
my questions ------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

My teacher is good at
explaining science ----------------------- 1

2

3

4

g) My teacher lets me show what
I have learned ---------------------------- 1

2

3

4

h) My teacher does a variety of things
to help us learn -------------------------- 1

2

3

4

My teacher tells me how to do
better when I make a mistake ------ 1

2

3

4

My teacher listens to what I
have to say -------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

j)

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire

19

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i)

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f)

21
How much do you agree with these statements
about science?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I usually do well in science ----------- 1

2

3

4

b) Science is harder for me
than for many of my classmates ---- 1

2

3

4

c) I am just not good at science --------- 1

2

3

4

d) I learn things quickly
in science ---------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

e) My teacher tells me I am good
at science ---------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

Science is harder for me
than any other subject ----------------- 1

2

3

4

g) Science makes me confused ---------- 1

2

3

4

f)

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Grade 4 Student Questionnaire
22

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How hard was this test compared to most other tests
you have taken this year in school?
Fill in one oval only.

Easier than other tests -- 1
About as hard as other tests -- 2
Harder than other tests -- 3
Much harder than other tests -- 4

23
How hard did you try on this test compared to how
hard you tried on most other tests you have
taken this year in school?
Fill in one oval only.

Not as hard as on other tests -- 1
About as hard as on other tests -- 2
Harder than on other tests -- 3
Much harder than on other tests -- 4

How important was it to you to do well on this test?
Fill in one oval only.

Not very important -- 1
Somewhat important -- 2
Important -- 3
Very important -- 4

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire

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Grade 4 Student Questionnaire
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Thank You!
Thank you for filling out the questionnaire!

Grade 4 Student Questionnaire

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Grade 4 Student Questionnaire

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TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Booklet

1

Grade 4

© IEA, 2014
International Association
for the Evaluation of
Educational Achievement

timssandpirls.bc.edu
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TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Student
Questionnaire
Grade 8
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education
1990 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20006-5650

© IEA, 2014

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Directions
In this booklet, you will find questions about yourself. Some questions ask for facts
while other questions ask for your opinion.
Each question is followed by a number of answers. Fill in the oval next to or under
the answer of your choice as shown in Examples 1, 2, and 3.

Example 1
Do you go to school?
Fill in one oval only.

•
Yes -- 1
No -- 2

Example 2
How often do you do these things?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Every day
or almost
every day

Once or
twice a
week

Once or
twice a
month

•
a) I talk with my friends --------------- 1

2

3

4

b) I play sports ---------------------------- 1

•
2

3

4

c) I ride a skateboard ------------------- 1

2

•
3

4

2

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
30

Never or
almost
never

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Example 3
What do you think? Tell how much you agree with these
statements.
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) Watching movies is fun --------------- 1

•
2

3

4

b) I like eating ice cream ----------------- 1
•

2

3

4

c) I do not like waking up early -------- 1

2

•
3

4

d) I enjoy doing chores -------------------- 1

2

3

4
•

• Read each question carefully, and pick the answer you think is best.
• Fill in the oval next to or under your answer.
• If you decide to change your answer, completely erase your first choice.
Then, fill in the oval next to or under your new answer.

• Ask for help if you do not understand something or are not sure how to answer.

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

3

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About You
1
A. Are you a girl or a boy?
Fill in one oval only.

Girl -- 1
Boy -- 2

B. Are you Hispanic or Latino?
Fill in one oval only.

Yes, I am Hispanic or Latino -- 1
No, I am not Hispanic or Latino -- 2

C. Which of the following best describes you?
Fill in ovals for all that apply.

White -- 1
Black or African American -- 1
Asian -- 1
American Indian or Alaska Native -- 1
Native Hawaiian or other
Pacific Islander -- 1

4

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
32

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When were you born?
Fill in the ovals next to the month and year you were born.

a) Month

b) Year

January --- A

1997 --- 1

February --- B

1998 --- 2

March --- C

1999 --- 3

April --- D

2000 --- 4

May --- E

2001 --- 5

June --- F

2002 --- 6

July --- G

2003 --- 7

August --- H

2004 --- 8

September --- I

2005 --- 9

October --- J

/
Other --- 0

November --- K
December --- L

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

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3
A. How often do you speak English at home?
Fill in one oval only.

Always --1 If Always, please go to question 4
Almost always --2
Sometimes --3
Never --4

If Almost always, Sometimes, Never,
please go to question 3B

B. What language do you speak at home (other than English)?
Fill in one oval only.

Spanish --1
Other --2 Please specify ________________

6

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
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The following questions ask about activities you do
outside of school.
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Yes

No

a) Do you play on a sports team
outside of school? ---------------------------1

2

b) Do you often play a musical
instrument outside of school? ----------1

2

c) Are you studying something in a
class outside of school? -------------------1

2

d) Do you belong to a club outside of
school (like Boy/Girl Scouts,
4-H, or Boys and Girls Club)? ----------1

2

5
In this school year, are you preparing for or have you
participated in any of the following activities?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Yes

No

a) Science fair -----------------------------------1

2

b) Science club ----------------------------------1

2

c) Science competition -----------------------1

2

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

7

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6
About how many books are there in your home? (Do not
count magazines, newspapers, or your school books.)
Fill in one oval only.

None or very few
(0–10 books) --1
Enough to fill one shelf
(11–25 books) --2
Enough to fill one bookcase
(26–100 books) --3
Enough to fill two bookcases
(101–200 books) --4
Enough to fill three or more bookcases
(more than 200) --5

7
How many digital information devices are there in your
home? Count computers, tablets, smartphones,
smart TVs, and e-readers. (Do not count other devices.)
Fill in one oval only.

None --1
1-3 devices --2
4-6 devices --3
7-10 devices --4
More than 10 devices --5

8

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Do you have any of these things at your home?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Yes

No

a) A computer or tablet of your own ------1

2

b) A computer or tablet that is shared
with other people at home ---------------1

2

c) Study desk/table for your use -----------1

2

d) Your own room ------------------------------1

2

e) Internet connection ------------------------1

2

f)

Your own cell phone -----------------------1

2

g) A gaming system
(e.g., PlayStation, Wii, Xbox) -----------1

2

h) VCR, DVD, or Blu-ray player ----------1

2

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

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9

A. What is the highest level of education completed by
your mother (or stepmother or female legal guardian)?
Fill in one oval only.

Less than high school -- 1
Some high school -- 2
High school graduate -- 3
Associate’s degree (2-year college program) -- 4
Bachelor’s degree (4-year college program) -- 5
Master’s degree or professional
degree (MD, DDS, lawyer, minister) -- 6
Doctorate (Ph.D., or Ed.D.) -- 7
I don’t know -- 8

B. What is the highest level of education completed by
your father (or stepfather or male legal guardian)?
Fill in one oval only.

Less than high school -- 1
Some high school -- 2
High school graduate -- 3
Associate’s degree (2-year college program) -- 4
Bachelor’s degree (4-year college program) -- 5
Master’s degree or professional
degree (MD, DDS, lawyer, minister) -- 6
Doctorate (Ph.D., or Ed.D.) -- 7
I don’t know -- 8

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How far in your education do you expect to go?
Fill in one oval only.

Finish middle school --1
Finish high school --2
Finish Associate’s degree
(2-year college program) --3
Finish Bachelor’s degree
(4-year college program) --4
Finish Master’s degree or
professional degree (MD,
DDS, lawyer, minister) --5
Finish Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D.) --6

11

A. Was your mother (or stepmother or female legal
guardian) born in the United States? (“United States”
includes the 50 states, its territories, the District of
Columbia, and U.S. military bases abroad.)
Fill in one oval only.

Yes --1
No --2
I don’t know --3

B. Was your father (or stepfather or male legal guardian)
born in the United States?
Fill in one oval only.

Yes --1
No --2
I don’t know --3

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

11

C

C

39

12
A. Were you born in the United States?
Fill in one oval only.

Yes -- 1
(If Yes, go to question 13)

No -- 2

If No,
B. If you were not born in the United States, how old
were you when you came to the United States?
Fill in one oval only.

Older than 10 years old -- 1
5 to 10 years old -- 2
Younger than 5 years old -- 3

12

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
40

C

C

13
A. About how often are you absent from school?
Fill in one oval only.

Once a week or more -- 1
Once every two weeks -- 2
Once a month -- 3
Never or almost never -- 4

B. How many days were you absent from school in the last
month?
Fill in one oval only.

None -- 1
1 or 2 days -- 2
3 or 4 days -- 3
5 to 10 days -- 4
More than 10 days -- 5

14
Have you ever repeated a grade?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Yes

No

a) In elementary school ------------------- 1

2

b) In middle or junior high school ----- 1

2

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

13

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C

41

15
How often do you eat breakfast on school days?
Fill in one oval only.

Every day -- 1
Most days -- 2
Sometimes -- 3
Never or almost never -- 4

16
How often do you use a computer or tablet in each of
these places for schoolwork (including classroom tasks,
homework, studying outside of class)?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Every day Once or
or almost twice a
every day week

Once or
twice a
month

Never or
almost
never

a) At home ------------------------------------1

2

3

4

b) At school -----------------------------------1

2

3

4

c) Some other place -------------------------1

2

3

4

14

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
42

C

C

17
Do you use the Internet to do any of the following tasks
for schoolwork (including classroom tasks, homework,
studying outside of class)?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Yes

No

a) Access the textbook or other
course materials ------------------------- 1

2

b) Access assignments posted
online by my teacher ------------------- 1

2

c) Collaborate with classmates
on assignments or projects ----------- 1

2

d) Communicate with the teacher ----- 1

2

e) Find information, articles, or
tutorials to aid in understanding
mathematics ------------------------------ 1

2

Find information, articles, or
tutorials to aid in
understanding science ----------------- 1

2

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

15
C

43

C

f)

Your School
18
What do you think about your school? Tell how much you
agree with these statements.
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I like being in school ------------------- 1

2

3

4

b) I feel safe when I am at school ------ 1

2

3

4

c) I feel like I belong at this school ---- 1

2

3

4

d) I like to see my classmates
at school ------------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

e) Teachers at my school are
fair to me ---------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

I am proud to go to
this school --------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

g) I learn a lot in school ------------------- 1

2

3

4

f)

16

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
44

C

C

19
During this school year, how often have other students
from your school done any of the following things to
you (including through texting or the Internet)?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
At least
once a
week

Once or
twice a
month

A few
times a
year

Never

a) Made fun of me or
called me names ------------------------- 1

2

3

4

b) Left me out of their games
or activities -------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

c) Spread lies about me ------------------- 1

2

3

4

d) Stole something from me ------------- 1

2

3

4

e) Hit or hurt me (e.g., shoving,
hitting, kicking) -------------------------- 1

2

3

4

Made me do things I didn’t
want to do --------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

g) Shared embarrassing information
about me ----------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

h) Posted embarrassing things
about me online -------------------------- 1

2

3

4

i)

2

3

4

Threatened me --------------------------- 1

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

17
C

45

C

f)

Mathematics in School
20
How much do you agree with these statements about
learning mathematics?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I enjoy learning mathematics ------- 1

2

3

4

b) I wish I did not have to
study mathematics --------------------- 1

2

3

4

c) Mathematics is boring ----------------- 1

2

3

4

d) I learn many interesting
things in mathematics ----------------- 1

2

3

4

e) I like mathematics ---------------------- 1

2

3

4

I like any schoolwork that
involves numbers ------------------------ 1

2

3

4

g) I like to solve
mathematics problems ---------------- 1

2

3

4

h) I look forward to
mathematics class ---------------------- 1

2

3

4

2

3

4

f)

i)

Mathematics is one of
my favorite subjects -------------------- 1

18

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
46

C

C

21
How much do you agree with these statements about
your mathematics lessons?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I know what my teacher
expects me to do ------------------------- 1

2

3

4

b) My teacher is easy to understand -- 1

2

3

4

c) I am interested in what my
teacher says ------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

d) My teacher gives me interesting
things to do -------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

e) My teacher has clear answers to
my questions ------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

My teacher is good at explaining
mathematics ------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

g) My teacher lets me show what
I have learned ---------------------------- 1

2

3

4

h) My teacher does a variety of
things to help us learn ----------------- 1

2

3

4

My teacher tells me how to do
better when I make a mistake ------ 1

2

3

4

My teacher listens to what I
have to say -------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

j)

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

19

47
C

i)

C

f)

22
How much do you agree with these statements about
mathematics?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I usually do well in mathematics --- 1

2

3

4

b) Mathematics is more difcult
for me than for many of
my classmates ---------------------------- 1

2

3

4

c) Mathematics is not one of
my strengths ------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

d) I learn things quickly
in mathematics -------------------------- 1

2

3

4

e) Mathematics makes me
nervous ------------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

I am good at working out
difcult mathematics problems ----- 1

2

3

4

g) My teacher tells me I am good at
mathematics ------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

h) Mathematics is harder for me
than any other subject ----------------- 1

2

3

4

2

3

4

f)

i)

Mathematics makes me
confused ------------------------------------ 1

20

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
48

C

C

23
How much do you agree with these statements about
mathematics?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I think learning mathematics will
help me in my daily life --------------1

2

3

4

b) I need mathematics to learn other
school subjects --------------------------1

2

3

4

c) I need to do well in mathematics
to get into the college or university
of my choice ------------------------------1

2

3

4

d) I need to do well in mathematics
to get the job I want -------------------1

2

3

4

e) I would like a job that involves
using mathematics --------------------1

2

3

4

It is important to learn about
mathematics to get ahead
in the world ------------------------------1

2

3

4

g) Learning mathematics will
give me more job opportunities
when I am an adult --------------------1

2

3

4

h) My parents think that it is
important that I do well in
mathematics -----------------------------1

2

3

4

2

3

4

It is important to do well in
mathematics -----------------------------1

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

21

49
C

i)

C

f)

Science in School
24
How much do you agree with these statements about
learning science?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I enjoy learning science --------------- 1

2

3

4

b) I wish I did not have to study
science -------------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

c) Science is boring ------------------------- 1

2

3

4

d) I learn many interesting
things in science ------------------------- 1

2

3

4

e) I like science ------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

I look forward to learning
science in school ------------------------- 1

2

3

4

g) Science teaches me how things
in the world work ----------------------- 1

2

3

4

h) I like to conduct science
experiments ------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

2

3

4

f)

i)

Science is one of my
favorite subjects ------------------------- 1

22

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
50

C

C

25
How much do you agree with these statements about
your science lessons?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I know what my teacher
expects me to do ------------------------1

2

3

4

b) My teacher is easy to understand -1

2

3

4

c) I am interested in what my
teacher says ------------------------------1

2

3

4

d) My teacher gives me interesting
things to do ------------------------------1

2

3

4

e) My teacher has clear answers to
my questions -----------------------------1

2

3

4

My teacher is good at explaining
science -------------------------------------1

2

3

4

g) My teacher lets me show what
I have learned ---------------------------1

2

3

4

h) My teacher does a variety of
things to help us learn ----------------1

2

3

4

My teacher tells me how to do
better when I make a mistake -----1

2

3

4

My teacher listens to what
I have to say -----------------------------1

2

3

4

j)

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

23

51
C

i)

C

f)

26
How much do you agree with these statements about
science?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I usually do well in science ----------- 1

2

3

4

b) Science is more difcult for me
than for many of my classmates ---- 1

2

3

4

c) Science is not one of
my strengths ------------------------------ 1

2

3

4

d) I learn things quickly
in science ---------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

e) I am good at working out
difcult science problems ------------- 1

2

3

4

My teacher tells me I am good
at science ---------------------------------- 1

2

3

4

g) Science is harder for me than
any other subject ------------------------ 1

2

3

4

h) Science makes me confused ---------- 1

2

3

4

f)

24

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
52

C

C

27
How much do you agree with these statements about
science?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Agree
a lot

Agree
a little

Disagree
a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I think learning science will help
me in my daily life ---------------------1

2

3

4

b) I need science to learn other
school subjects --------------------------1

2

3

4

c) I need to do well in science to get
into the college or university of
my choice ---------------------------------1

2

3

4

d) I need to do well in science to get
the job I want ---------------------------1

2

3

4

e) I would like a job that involves
using science -----------------------------1

2

3

4

It is important to learn about
science to get ahead in
the world ----------------------------------1

2

3

4

g) Learning science will give me
more job opportunities when
I am an adult ----------------------------1

2

3

4

h) My parents think that it is
important that I do well in
science -------------------------------------1

2

3

4

2

3

4

It is important to do well
in science ---------------------------------1

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

25

53
C

i)

C

f)

Homework
28
A. How often does your teacher give you homework in the
following subjects?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
3 or 4
times
a week

1 or 2
times
a week

Less
than
once
a week

Never

a) Mathematics ---------------- 1

2

3

4

5

b) Science ------------------------ 1

2

3

4

5

Every
day

B. When your teacher gives you homework in the following
subjects, about how many minutes do you usually spend
on your homework?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
My teacher
never
gives me
homework
in...

1-15
minutes

16-30
minutes

31-60
minutes

61-90
minutes

More
than 90
minutes

a) Mathematics -- 1

2

3

4

5

6

b) Science ---------- 1

2

3

4

5

6

26

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
54

C

C

29
A. During the last 12 months, have you attended
extra lessons or tutoring not provided by the school in the
following subjects?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Yes, to
excel in
class

Yes, to
keep up
in class

No

a) Mathematics --------------------------------- 1

2

3

b) Science ----------------------------------------- 1

2

3

B. For how many of the last 12 months have you attended
extra lessons or tutoring?
Fill in only one oval for each row.
Did not
attend

Less than
4 months

4-8
months

More than
8 months

a) Mathematics ------------------- 1

2

3

4

b) Science --------------------------- 1

2

3

4

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

27

C

C

55

30
How hard was this test compared to most other
tests you have taken this year in school?
Fill in one oval only.

Easier than other tests -- 1
About as hard as other tests -- 2
Harder than other tests -- 3
Much harder than other tests -- 4

31
How hard did you try on this test compared to how
hard you tried on most other tests you have taken
this year in school?
Fill in one oval only.

Not as hard as on other tests -- 1
About as hard as on other tests -- 2
Harder than on other tests -- 3
Much harder than on other tests -- 4

32
How important was it to you to do well on this test?
Fill in one oval only.

Not very important -- 1
Somewhat important -- 2
Important -- 3
Very important -- 4

28

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
56

C

C

Thank You!
Thank you for filling out the questionnaire!

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

29

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C

57

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30

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire
58

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C

THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK ON PURPOSE

Grade 8 Student Questionnaire

31

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59

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Booklet

1

Grade 8

© IEA, 2014
International Association
for the Evaluation of
Educational Achievement

timssandpirls.bc.edu
60

C

C

Place Label Here
School ID: ____ ____ ____ ____

Identification Label

Class ID: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Teacher ID: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Link #: ____ ____

Subject: ____ ____

Checksum: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Teacher
Questionnaire
Grade 4
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education
1990 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20006-5650

© IEA, 2014
U.S. participation in this study is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education, and authorized by the Education Sciences Reform
Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C., § 9543). Your responses are protected by federal statute (20 U.S.C., § 9573) and may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in
identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control
number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0695. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated
to average 30 minutes per respondent, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the
information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s), suggestions for improving the form, or comments or concerns
regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), National Center for
Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
OMB No. 1850-0695, Approval Expires 9/30/2017.
869860

Printed in the USA by Pearson

ISD10746

61

Teacher Questionnaire
It is estimated that you will need approximately 30

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS
2015 (Trends in International Mathematics and Science

minutes to complete this questionnaire. We appreciate

Study), an educational research project sponsored

the time and effort that this takes and thank you for

by the International Association for the Evaluation of

your cooperation and contribution.
When you have completed the questionnaire, please

Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures trends
in student achievement in mathematics and science

place it in the accompanying envelope and return it to

and studies differences in national education systems in

the TIMSS school coordinator.
NCES is authorized to collect information from the

almost 60 countries in order to help improve teaching

questionnaire under the Education Science Reform

and learning worldwide.

Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002), 20 U.S. Code, § 9543. You

This questionnaire is addressed to teachers of fourthgrade students and seeks information about teachers’

do not have to provide the information requested.

academic and professional backgrounds, classroom

However, the information you provide will help the

resources, instructional practices, and attitudes toward

U.S. Department of Education’s ongoing efforts to

teaching. Since your class has been selected as part of a

understand better how the educational system in the

nationwide sample, your responses are very important in

United States compares to that in other countries. There

helping to describe fourth-grade education in the United

are no penalties should you choose not to participate

States.

in this study. Your answers may be used only for
statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used,

Some of the questions in the questionnaire refer to
the “TIMSS class” or “this class.” This is the class that is

in identifiable form for any other purpose except as

identified on the front of this booklet and that will be

required by law (20 U.S. Code, § 9573). Your response

tested as part of TIMSS in your school. If you teach some

will be combined with those from other participants to

but not all of the students in the TIMSS class, please think

produce summary statistics and reports.

only of the students that you teach when answering

This survey is estimated to take an average of 30

these class-specific questions. It is important that you

minutes, including time for reviewing instructions, and

answer each question carefully so that the information

completing and reviewing the collection of information.

that you provide reflects your situation as accurately as

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is

possible.

not required to respond to, a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Since TIMSS is an international study and all
countries are using the same questionnaire, you may

Send comments regarding this burden estimate or

find that some of the questions seem unusual or are not

any other aspect of this collection of information,

entirely relevant to you or schools in the United States.

including suggestions for reducing burden, to: Stephen

Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to

Provasnik, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S.

answer all of the questions so comparisons can be made

Department of Education, 1990 K Street NW, Room

across countries in the studies.

8123, Washington, DC 20006-5650. Do not return the
completed form to this address.
Thank you.

TIMSS 2015
2

Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire

62

About You

1

5
What year did you start teaching?

What is the highest level of formal education you
have completed?

_____________

Fill in one circle only.

Please write in a year.

Did not complete high school --- 1
High school graduate --- 2

2

(If you have not completed more
than high school, go to question 7)

At the end of this school year, how many years will
you have taught altogether?

Associate’s degree
(2-year college program) --- 3

_____________ years
Please round to the nearest whole number.

Bachelor’s degree
(4-year college program) --- 4
Master’s degree or professional
degree (MD, DDS, lawyer, minister) --- 5

3

Doctorate (Ph.D., or Ed.D.) --- 6
Are you female or male?

6
Fill in one circle only.

1
Male --- 2

Female ---

A. During your college or university education, what
was your major or main area(s) of study?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Yes
No

1
b) Education—Secondary ------------------------- 1
c) Mathematics ------------------------------------- 1
d) Science ------------------------------------------- 1
e) English ------------------------------------------- 1
f) Other --------------------------------------------- 1
a) Education—Primary/Elementary --------------

4
How old are you?
Fill in one circle only.

1
25–29 --- 2
30–39 --- 3
40–49 --- 4
50–59 --- 5
60 or more --- 6
Under 25 ---

2
2
2
2
2
2

B. If your major or main area of study was education,
did you have a specialization in any of the
following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Yes
No

1
b) Science ------------------------------------------- 1
c) Language/reading ------------------------------- 1
d) Other subject ------------------------------------ 1
a) Mathematics -------------------------------------

Grade
4 Teacher Questionnaire
63

2
2
2
2
3

School Emphasis on Academic Success

7
How would you characterize each of the following within your school?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Very high

Very high

High

High
Medium

Medium
Low

Low
Very
low

a) Teachers’ understanding of
the school’s curricular goals --- 1

4

2 3 4 5

b) Teachers’ degree of
success in implementing
the school’s curriculum -------- 1

2 3 4 5

c) Teachers’ expectations
for student achievement ------ 1

2 3 4 5

Very
low

k) Students’ desire to do
well in school ------------------ 1

2 3 4 5

l) Students’ ability to reach
school’s academic goals ------- 1

2 3 4 5

m) Students’ respect for
classmates who excel
in school ----------------------- 1

2 3 4 5

n) Clarity of the school’s
educational objectives --------- 1

2 3 4 5

o) Collaboration between
school leadership and
teachers to plan instruction --- 1

2 3 4 5

d) Teachers working together
to improve student
achievement ------------------- 1

2 3 4 5

e) Teachers’ ability to
inspire students ---------------- 1

2 3 4 5

f) Parental involvement
in school activities ------------- 1

2 3 4 5

g) Parental commitment to
ensure that students are
ready to learn ------------------ 1

p) Amount of instructional
support provided to teachers
by school leadership ----------- 1

2 3 4 5

2 3 4 5

h) Parental expectations for
student achievement ---------- 1

q) School leadership’s
support for teachers’
professional development ----- 1

2 3 4 5

2 3 4 5

i) Parental support for
student achievement ---------- 1

2 3 4 5

j) Parental pressure for the
school to maintain high
academic standards ----------- 1

2 3 4 5

Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire

64

School Environment

8

9
Thinking about your current school, indicate the
extent to which you agree or disagree with each of
the following statements.

In your current school, how severe is each problem?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Not a problem

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Minor problem

Agree a lot

Moderate problem

Agree a little

Serious
problem

Disagree a little
Disagree
a lot

a) This school is located in
a safe neighborhood ----------- 1

2 3 4
b) I feel safe at this school -------- 1 2 3 4

a) The school building needs
significant repair -------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Teachers do not have
adequate workspace (e.g., for
preparation, collaboration,
or meeting with students) ---- 1

2 3 4

c) Teachers do not have
adequate instructional
materials and supplies -------- 1

2 3 4

d) The school classrooms are
not cleaned often enough ----- 1

2 3 4

e) The school classrooms need
maintenance work ------------ 1

2 3 4
2 3 4
2 3 4

c) This school’s security policies
and practices are sufficient ---- 1

2 3 4

d) The students behave in an
orderly manner ---------------- 1

2 3 4

e ) The students are respectful
of the teachers ----------------- 1

2 3 4

f ) The students respect
school property ---------------- 1

2 3 4

g) This school has clear rules
about student conduct -------- 1

2 3 4

f) Teachers do not have
adequate technological
resources ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) Teachers do not have
adequate support for
using technology -------------- 1

h) This school's rules are
enforced in a fair and
consistent manner ------------- 1

Grade
4 Teacher Questionnaire
65

5

About Being a Teacher

10

11
How often do you have the following types of
interactions with other teachers?

How often do you feel the following way
about being a teacher?

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Very often

Very often

Often

Often
Sometimes

Sometimes

Never or
almost never

a) Discuss how to teach
a particular topic -------------- 1
b) Collaborate in planning
and preparing instructional
materials ----------------------- 1

6

2 3 4
2 3 4

c) Share what I have
learned about my
teaching experiences ---------- 1

2 3 4

d) Visit another classroom
to learn more about teaching - 1

2 3 4

e) Work together to
try out new ideas -------------- 1

2 3 4

f) Work as a group on
implementing the
curriculum --------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) Work with teachers from
other grades to ensure
continuity in learning --------- 1

2 3 4

Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire

Never or
almost never

a) I am content with my
profession as a teacher -------- 1

2 3 4

b) I am satisfied with being
a teacher at this school -------- 1

2 3 4

c) I find my work full of
meaning and purpose --------- 1

2 3 4

d) I am enthusiastic
about my job ------------------- 1

2 3 4
e) My work inspires me ----------- 1 2 3 4
f) I am proud of the work I do --- 1 2 3 4
g) I am going to continue
teaching for as long as I can --- 1

66

2 3 4

About Teaching the
TIMSS Class

12

13
Indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree
with each of the following statements.

A. How many students are in this class?
_____________ students

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Write in the number.

Agree a lot
Agree a little
Disagree a little
Disagree
a lot

a) There are too many
students in the classes --------- 1

2 3 4

b) I have too much material to
cover in class ------------------- 1

2 3 4

c) I have too many teaching
hours --------------------------- 1

2 3 4

d) I need more time to prepare
for class ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

B. How many of the students in question 13A are in
fourth grade?
_____________ fourth-grade students
Write in the number.

14
How many fourth-grade students experience
difficulties understanding spoken English?
_____________ students in this class
Write in the number.

e) I need more time to assist
individual students ------------ 1

2 3 4

f) I feel too much pressure
from parents ------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) I have difficulty keeping up
with all of the changes to the
curriculum --------------------- 1

2 3 4

h) I have too many administrative
tasks --------------------------- 1

2 3 4

Grade
4 Teacher Questionnaire
67

7

15

16
How often do you do the following in teaching this
class?

In your view, to what extent do the following limit
how you teach this class?

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Every or almost every lesson

Not at all

About half the lessons

Some

Some lessons

A lot

Never

8

a) Students lacking prerequisite
knowledge or skills ------------ 1

2 3

b) Students suffering from
lack of basic nutrition --------- 1

2 3

a) Relate the lesson to
students’ daily lives ------------ 1

2 3 4

b) Ask students to explain
their answers ------------------ 1

2 3 4

c) Bring interesting materials
to class ------------------------- 1

2 3 4

d) Ask students to complete
challenging exercises
that require them to
go beyond the instruction ----- 1

2 3 4

f) Students with physical
disabilities --------------------- 1

2 3

e) Encourage classroom
discussions among
students ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) Students with mental,
emotional, or psychological
disabilities --------------------- 1

2 3

f) Link new content to
students’ prior knowledge ---- 1

2 3 4

g) Ask students to decide
their own problem
solving procedures ------------ 1

2 3 4

h) Encourage students to
express their ideas in class ---- 1

2 3 4

Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire

c) Students suffering from
not enough sleep -------------- 1

2 3
d) Disruptive students ------------ 1 2 3
e) Uninterested students --------- 1 2 3

68

Teaching Mathematics to the TIMSS Class

19
Questions 17 - 19 ask about mathematics
instruction for the fourth-grade students in the
TIMSS class.

In teaching mathematics to this class, how often do
you ask students to do the following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

17

Every or almost every lesson
About half the lessons

In a typical week, how much time do you spend
teaching mathematics to the students in this class?

Some lessons
Never

_____________ minutes per week
Write in the number of minutes per week.
Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

18
In teaching mathematics to this class, how would
you characterize your confidence in doing the
following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very high
High
Medium
Low

a) Inspiring students
to learn mathematics ---------- 1

2 3 4

b) Showing students a variety of
problem solving strategies ---- 1

2 3 4

c) Providing challenging
tasks for the highest
achieving students ------------ 1

2 3 4

d) Adapting my teaching to
engage students’ interest ----- 1

2 3 4

e) Helping students appreciate
the value of learning
mathematics ------------------- 1

2 3 4

f) Assessing student
comprehension
of mathematics ---------------- 1

2 3 4

g) Improving the understanding
of struggling students --------- 1

2 3 4

h) Making mathematics
relevant to students ----------- 1

2 3 4

i) Developing students’
higher-order
thinking skills ------------------ 1

2 3 4

a) Listen to me explain new
mathematics content ---------- 1

2 3 4

b) Listen to me explain how to
solve problems ---------------- 1

2 3 4

c) Memorize rules, procedures,
and facts ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

d) Work problems (individually or
with peers) with my guidance - 1

2 3 4

e) Work problems together in the
whole class with direct
guidance from me ------------- 1

2 3 4

f) Work problems (individually or
with peers) while I am
occupied by other tasks ------- 1

2
g) Take a written test or quiz ----- 1 2
h) Work in mixed ability groups -- 1 2
i) Work in same ability groups -- 1 2

Grade
4 Teacher Questionnaire
69

3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4

9

Using Calculators and Computers for
Teaching Mathematics to the TIMSS Class

21
Questions 20 - 21 ask about resources for
teaching mathematics to the fourth-grade
students in the TIMSS class.

A. Do the students in this class have computers
(including tablets) available to use during their
mathematics lessons?
Fill in one circle only.

20

1
No --- 2

Yes --Are the students in this class permitted to use
calculators during mathematics lessons?

(If No, go to question 22)

Fill in one circle only.

Yes, with unrestricted use --- 1

If Yes,

Yes, with restricted use --- 2
B. What access do the students have to computers?

No, calculators are not permitted --- 3

Fill in only one circle for each row.
Yes
No

a) Each student has a computer --------------------

1 2

b) The class has computers that students can
share ---------------------------------------------

1 2

c) The school has computers that the class can
use sometimes -----------------------------------

1 2

C. How often do you have the students do the
following activities on computers during
mathematics lessons?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Every or almost every day
Once or twice a week
Once or twice a
month
Never or
almost
never

a) Explore mathematics
principles and concepts -------- 1

2 3 4
b) Practice skills and procedures - 1 2 3 4
c) Look up ideas and
information -------------------- 1

10

Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire

70

2 3 4

Mathematics Topics Taught to the TIMSS Class
Question 22 asks about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching mathematics to the
fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

22
The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS mathematics test. Choose the response that
best describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before
the fourth grade, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not yet
completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet
taught or just introduced.”
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Mostly taught before this year
Mostly taught this year
Not yet taught or
just introduced

A. Number

a) Concepts of whole numbers, including place value and ordering ----------------------------------------------------------- 1
b) Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and/or dividing with whole numbers --------------------------------------------------- 1
c) Concepts of multiples and factors; odd and even numbers ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1
d) Concepts of fractions (fractions as parts of a whole or of a collection, or as a location on a number line) ----------------- 1
e) Adding and subtracting with fractions, comparing and ordering fractions ------------------------------------------------- 1
f) Concepts of decimals, including place value and ordering, adding and subtracting with decimals ----------------------- 1
g) Number sentences (finding the missing number, modeling simple situations with number sentences) ------------------ 1
h) Number patterns (extending number patterns and finding missing terms) ------------------------------------------------ 1

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

2
2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3
3

B. Geometric Shapes and Measures

a) Lines: measuring, estimating length of; parallel and perpendicular lines -------------------------------------------------- 1
b) Comparing and drawing angles ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
c) Using informal coordinate systems to locate points in a plane (e.g., in square B4) ----------------------------------------- 1
d) Elementary properties of common geometric shapes ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
e) Reflections and rotations ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
f) Relationships between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes ------------------------------------------------- 1
g) Finding and estimating areas, perimeters, and volumes -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
C. Data Display

a) Reading and representing data from tables, pictographs, bar graphs, or pie charts --------------------------------------- 1

2 3
b) Drawing conclusions from data displays ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

Grade
4 Teacher Questionnaire
71

11

Mathematics Homework for
the TIMSS Class

Mathematics Assessment of
the TIMSS Class

Question 24 asks about mathematics
assessment for the fourth-grade students in the
TIMSS class.

Question 23 asks about mathematics homework
for the fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

23

24

A. How often do you usually assign mathematics
homework to the students in this class?

How much emphasis do you place on the
following sources to monitor students’ progress in
mathematics?

Fill in one circle only.

I do not assign mathematics
homework ---

Fill in only one circle for each row.

1

Major emphasis

(Go to question 24)

Some emphasis
Little or no
emphasis

2
1 or 2 times a week --- 3
3 or 4 times a week --- 4
Every day --- 5

Less than once a week ---

B. When you assign mathematics homework to the
students in this class, about how many minutes
do you usually assign? (Consider the time it would
take an average student in your class.)
Fill in one circle only.

1
16–30 minutes --- 2
31–60 minutes --- 3
More than 60 minutes --- 4
15 minutes or less ---

C. How often do you do the following with the
mathematics homework assignments for this
class?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Always or almost always
Sometimes
Never or almost
never

12

a) Correct assignments and
give feedback to students ----- 1

2 3

b) Discuss the homework
in class ------------------------- 1

2 3

c) Monitor whether or not the
homework was completed ---- 1

2 3

Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire

72

a) Assessment of students’
ongoing work ------------------ 1

2 3

b) Classroom tests (for
example, teacher-made or
textbook tests) ---------------- 1

2 3

c) State or district
achievement tests ------------- 1

2 3

Preparation to Teach Mathematics

25

26
In the past two years, how many hours in total
have you spent in formal in-service/professional
development (e.g., workshops, seminars)
for mathematics?

In the past two years, have you participated
in professional development in any of the
following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Yes
No

1 2
b) Mathematics pedagogy/instruction ------------ 1 2
c) Mathematics curriculum ------------------------ 1 2
a) Mathematics content ----------------------------

d) Integrating information
technology into mathematics -------------------

Fill in one circle only.

1
Less than 6 hours --- 2
6–15 hours --- 3
16–35 hours --- 4
More than 35 hours --- 5
None ---

1 2

e) Improving students’ critical thinking or
problem solving skills ---------------------------

1 2
f) Mathematics assessment ----------------------- 1 2
g) Addressing individual students’ needs ---------- 1 2

Grade
4 Teacher Questionnaire
73

13

27
How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following mathematics topics?
If a topic is not in the fourth-grade curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please choose
“Not applicable.”
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Not applicable
Very well prepared
Somewhat
prepared
Not well
prepared

A. Number

a) Concepts of whole numbers, including place value and ordering ----------------------------------------------------------- 1
b) Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and/or dividing with whole numbers --------------------------------------------------- 1
c) Concepts of multiples and factors; odd and even numbers ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1
d) Concepts of fractions (fractions as parts of a whole or of a collection, or as a location on a number line) ----------------- 1
e) Adding and subtracting with fractions, comparing and ordering fractions ------------------------------------------------- 1
f) Concepts of decimals, including place value and ordering, adding and subtracting with decimals ----------------------- 1
g) Number sentences (finding the missing number, modeling simple situations with number sentences) ------------------ 1
h) Number patterns (extending number patterns and finding missing terms) ------------------------------------------------ 1

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4

2
2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4
4
4
4

B. Geometric Shapes and Measures

a) Lines: measuring, estimating length of; parallel and perpendicular lines -------------------------------------------------- 1
b) Comparing and drawing angles ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
c) Using informal coordinate systems to locate points in a plane (e.g., in square B4) ----------------------------------------- 1
d) Elementary properties of common geometric shapes ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
e) Reflections and rotations ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
f) Relationships between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes ------------------------------------------------- 1
g) Finding and estimating areas, perimeters, and volumes -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
C. Data Display

a) Reading and representing data from tables, pictographs, bar graphs, or pie charts --------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4
b) Drawing conclusions from data displays ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

14

Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire

74

Teaching Science to the TIMSS Class

29
Questions 28 - 30 ask about science instruction
for the fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

In teaching science to this class, how would you
characterize your confidence in doing the following?

28

Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very high

A. Is science taught mainly as a separate subject (i.e.,
not integrated with other subjects) to the students
in this class?
Fill in one circle only.

1
No --- 2

Yes ---

B. Please estimate the time that you spend on science
topics with students in this class.
_____________ minutes per week
Write in the number of minutes per week.
Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

High
Medium
Low

a) Inspiring students
to learn science ---------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Explaining science concepts
or principles by doing
science experiments ----------- 1

2 3 4

c) Providing challenging tasks
for the highest
achieving students ------------ 1

2 3 4

d) Adapting my teaching to
engage students’ interest ----- 1

2 3 4

e) Helping students appreciate
the value of learning
science ------------------------- 1

2 3 4

f) Assessing student
comprehension of science ----- 1

2 3 4

g) Improving the understanding
of struggling students --------- 1

2 3 4

h) Making science
relevant to students ----------- 1

2 3 4

i) Developing students’
higher-order
thinking skills ------------------ 1

2 3 4

j) Teaching science using inquiry
methods ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

Grade
4 Teacher Questionnaire
75

15

Using Computers for Teaching
Science to the TIMSS Class

30

Question 31 asks about resources for teaching
science to the fourth-grade students in the
TIMSS class.

In teaching science to the students in this class, how
often do you ask them to do the following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

31

Every or almost every lesson

A. Do the students in this class have computers
(including tablets) available to use during their
science lessons?

About half the lessons
Some lessons
Never

a) Listen to me explain
new science content ----------- 1
b) Observe natural phenomena
such as the weather or a
plant growing and describe
what they see ------------------ 1
c) Watch me demonstrate an
experiment or investigation --- 1
d) Design or plan experiments
or investigations --------------- 1
e) Conduct experiments or
investigations ------------------ 1
f) Present data from
experiments or investigations - 1
g) Interpret data from
experiments or investigations - 1

2 3 4
If Yes,

2 3 4
B. What access do the students have to computers?

2 3 4

Fill in only one circle for each row.
Yes

2 3 4

No

2 3 4
2 3 4

i) Read their textbooks or
other resource materials ------ 1

2 3 4

1
l) Take a written test or quiz ----- 1
m) Work in mixed ability groups -- 1
n) Work in same ability groups -- 1

1
No --- 2

Yes ---

(If No, go to question 32)

2 3 4

k) Do field work outside the class

16

2 3 4

h) Use evidence from experiments
or investigations to support
conclusions -------------------- 1

j) Have students memorize
facts and principles ------------ 1

Fill in one circle only.

2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3

1 2

b) The class has computers that students can
share ---------------------------------------------

1 2

c) The school has computers that the class can
use sometimes -----------------------------------

1 2

C. How often do you have the students do the
following activities on computers during
science lessons?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

4
4
4
4
4

Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire

a) Each student has a computer --------------------

Every or almost every day
Once or twice a week
Once or twice a
month
Never or
almost
never

76

a) Practice skills and procedures - 1

2 3 4

b) Look up ideas and
information -------------------- 1

2 3 4

c) Do scientific procedures
or experiments ----------------- 1

2 3 4

d) Study natural phenomena
through simulations ----------- 1

2 3 4

Science Topics Taught to the TIMSS Class
Question 32 asks about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching science to the
fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

32
The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS science test. Choose the response that best describes when
the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before the fourth grade, please choose
“Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not yet completed, please choose “Mostly taught this
year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet taught or just introduced.”
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Mostly taught before this year
Mostly taught this year
Not yet taught or
just introduced

A. Life Science

a) Characteristics of living things and the major groups of living things (e.g., mammals, birds, insects,
flowering plants) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

e) How physical features and behaviors help living things survive in their environments ------------------------------------ 1

2
2
2
2
2

f) Relationships in communities and ecosystems (e.g., simple food chains, predator-prey relationships,
human impacts on the environment) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

g) Human health (transmission and prevention of diseases, symptoms of health and illness, importance of a
healthy diet and exercise) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

b) Major body structures and their functions in humans, other animals, and plants ------------------------------------------ 1
c) Life cycles of common plants and animals (e.g., humans, butterflies, frogs, flowering plants) ---------------------------- 1
d) Understanding that some characteristics are inherited and some are the result of the environment ---------------------- 1

3
3
3
3
3

B. Physical Science

a) States of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and properties of the states of matter (volume, shape); how the state of
matter changes by heating or cooling ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

b) Classifying materials based on physical properties (e.g., weight/mass, volume, conducting heat,
conducting electricity, magnetic attraction) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3
c) Mixtures and how to separate a mixture into its components (e.g., sifting, filtering, evaporation, using a magnet) ----- 1 2 3
d) Chemical changes in everyday life (e.g., decaying, burning, rusting, cooking) --------------------------------------------- 1 2 3
e) Common sources of energy (e.g., the Sun, electricity, wind) and uses of energy (heating and cooling homes,
providing light) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

f) Light and sound in everyday life (e.g., understanding shadows and reflection, understanding that vibrating objects
make sound) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1

2 3

g) Electricity and simple circuits (e.g., identifying materials that are conductors, recognizing that electricity can be
changed to light or sound, knowing that a circuit must be complete to work correctly) ----------------------------------- 1

2 3

h) Properties of magnets (e.g., knowing that like poles repel and opposite poles attract, recognizing that magnets
can attract some objects) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
i)

2 3
Forces that cause objects to move (e.g., gravity, pushing/pulling) ---------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

Grade
4 Teacher Questionnaire
77

17

32

(continued)
Choose the response that best describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the
curriculum before the fourth grade, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not
yet completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet taught or just
introduced.”
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Mostly taught before this year
Mostly taught this year
Not yet taught or
just introduced

C. Earth Science

a) Common features of the Earth’s landscape (e.g., mountains, plains, deserts, rivers, oceans) and their relationship to
human use (farming, irrigation, land development) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1

2 3

b) Where water is found on the Earth and how it moves in and out of the air (e.g., evaporation, rainfall, cloud formation,
dew formation) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3
c) Understanding that weather can change from day to day, from season to season, and by geographic location ---------- 1 2 3
d) Understanding what fossils are and what they can tell us about past conditions on Earth--------------------------------- 1 2 3
e) Objects in the solar system (the Sun, the Earth, the Moon, and other planets) and their movements (the Earth and
other planets revolve around the Sun, the Moon revolves around the Earth) ----------------------------------------------- 1
f) Understanding how day and night result from the Earth’s rotation on its axis and how the Earth’s rotation results in
changing shadows throughout the day -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

2 3
g) Understanding how seasons are related to the Earth’s annual movement around the Sun -------------------------------- 1 2 3

18

Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire

78

Science Assessment
of the TIMSS Class

Science Homework
for the TIMSS Class

Question 33 asks about science homework for
the fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

33

Question 34 asks about science assessment for
the fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

34

A. How often do you usually assign science
homework to the students in this class?

How much emphasis do you place on the following
sources to monitor students’ progress in science?

Fill in one circle only.

I do not assign science
homework ---

Fill in only one circle for each row.
Major emphasis

1

Some emphasis

(Go to question 34)

2
1 or 2 times a week --- 3
3 or 4 times a week --- 4
Every day --- 5

Less than once a week ---

B. When you assign science homework to the
students in this class, about how many minutes
do you usually assign? (Consider the time it would
take an average student in your class.)

Little or no
emphasis

a) Assessment of students’
ongoing work ------------------ 1

2 3

b) Classroom tests (for
example, teacher-made or
textbook tests) ---------------- 1

2 3

c) State or district
achievement tests ------------- 1

2 3

Fill in one circle only.

1
16–30 minutes --- 2
31–60 minutes --- 3
More than 60 minutes --- 4
15 minutes or less ---

C. How often do you do the following with the
science homework assignments for this class?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Always or almost always
Sometimes
Never or almost
never

a) Correct assignments and
give feedback to students ----- 1

2 3

b) Discuss the homework
in class ------------------------- 1

2 3

c) Monitor whether or not the
homework was completed ---- 1

2 3

Grade
4 Teacher Questionnaire
79

19

Preparation to Teach Science

35

36
In the past two years, how many hours in total
have you spent in formal in-service/professional
development (e.g., workshops, seminars)
for science?

In the past two years, have you participated
in professional development in any of the
following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Yes

1
Less than 6 hours --- 2
6–15 hours --- 3
16–35 hours --- 4
More than 35 hours --- 5
None ---

No

1 2
b) Science pedagogy/instruction ------------------ 1 2
c) Science curriculum ------------------------------ 1 2
a) Science content ----------------------------------

d) Integrating information
technology into science -------------------------

1 2

e) Improving students’ critical thinking or
inquiry skills -------------------------------------

1 2
f) Science assessment ------------------------------ 1 2
g) Addressing individual students’ needs ---------- 1 2
h) Integrating science with other subjects
(e.g., mathematics, technology)-----------------

20

1 2

Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire

Fill in one circle only.

80

37
How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following science topics?
If a topic is not in the fourth-grade curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please choose
“Not applicable.”
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Not applicable
Very well prepared
Somewhat
prepared
Not well
prepared

A. Life Science

a) Characteristics of living things and the major groups of living things (e.g., mammals, birds, insects,
flowering plants)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

e) How physical features and behaviors help living things survive in their environments ------------------------------------ 1

2
2
2
2
2

f) Relationships in communities and ecosystems (e.g., simple food chains, predator-prey relationships,
human impacts on the environment) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) Human health (transmission and prevention of diseases, symptoms of health and illness, importance of a
healthy diet and exercise) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Major body structures and their functions in humans, other animals, and plants ------------------------------------------ 1
c) Life cycles of common plants and animals (e.g., humans, butterflies, frogs, flowering plants) ---------------------------- 1
d) Understanding that some characteristics are inherited and some are the result of the environment ---------------------- 1

3
3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4
4

B. Physical Science

a) States of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and properties of the states of matter (volume, shape); how the state of
matter changes by heating or cooling ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Classifying materials based on physical properties (e.g., weight/mass, volume, conducting heat,
conducting electricity, magnetic attraction) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4
c) Mixtures and how to separate a mixture into its components (e.g., sifting, filtering, evaporation, using a magnet) ----- 1 2 3 4
d) Chemical changes in everyday life (e.g., decaying, burning, rusting, cooking) --------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4
e) Common sources of energy (e.g., the Sun, electricity, wind) and uses of energy (heating and cooling homes,
providing light) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

f) Light and sound in everyday life (e.g., understanding shadows and reflection, understanding that vibrating objects
make sound) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1

2 3 4

g) Electricity and simple circuits (e.g., identifying materials that are conductors, recognizing that electricity can be
changed to light or sound, knowing that a circuit must be complete to work correctly) ----------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

h) Properties of magnets (e.g., knowing that like poles repel and opposite poles attract, recognizing that magnets
can attract some objects) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
i)

2 3 4
Forces that cause objects to move (e.g., gravity, pushing/pulling) ---------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

Grade
4 Teacher Questionnaire
81

21

37

(continued)
How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following science topics?
If a topic is not in the fourth-grade curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please choose
“Not applicable.”
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Not applicable
Very well prepared
Somewhat
prepared
Not well
prepared

C. Earth Science

a) Common features of the Earth’s landscape (e.g., mountains, plains, deserts, rivers, oceans) and their relationship to
human use (farming, irrigation, land development) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1

2 3 4

b) Where water is found on the Earth and how it moves in and out of the air (e.g., evaporation, rainfall, cloud formation,
dew formation) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4
c) Understanding that weather can change from day to day, from season to season, and by geographic location ---------- 1 2 3 4
d) Understanding what fossils are and what they can tell us about past conditions on Earth--------------------------------- 1 2 3 4
e) Objects in the solar system (the Sun, the Earth, the Moon, and other planets) and their movements (the Earth and
other planets revolve around the Sun, the Moon revolves around the Earth) ----------------------------------------------- 1
f) Understanding how day and night result from the Earth’s rotation on its axis and how the Earth’s rotation results in
changing shadows throughout the day -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

2 3 4
g) Understanding how seasons are related to the Earth’s annual movement around the Sun -------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

22

Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire

82

Thank You
Thank you for the thought, time, and effort you have
put into completing this questionnaire.

Grade
4 Teacher Questionnaire
83

23

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Teacher
Questionnaire
Grade 4

© IEA, 2014
International Association
for the Evaluation of
Educational Achievement

timss.bc.edu
84

Place Label Here
School ID: ____ ____ ____ ____

Identification Label

Class ID: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Teacher ID: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Link #: ____ ____

Subject: ____ ____

Checksum: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Teacher Questionnaire
Mathematics
Grade 8
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education
1990 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20006-5650

© IEA, 2014

U.S. participation in this study is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education, and authorized by the Education Sciences Reform
Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C., § 9543). Your responses are protected by federal statute (20 U.S.C., § 9573) and may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in
identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control
number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0695. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated
to average 30 minutes per respondent, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the
information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s), suggestions for improving the form, or comments or concerns
regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), National Center for
85 D.C. 20006.
Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., Washington,
OMB No. 1850-0695, Approval Expires 9/30/2017.
869862

Printed in the USA by Pearson

ISD10748

Teacher Questionnaire
It is estimated that you will need approximately

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS 2015
(Trends in International Mathematics and Science

30 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We

Study), an educational research project sponsored

appreciate the time and effort that this takes and

by the International Association for the Evaluation

thank you for your cooperation and contribution.

of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures

When you have completed the questionnaire,

trends in student achievement in mathematics and

please return it to the TIMSS school coordinator.
NCES is authorized to collect information from

science and studies differences in national education
systems in almost 60 countries in order to help

the questionnaire under the Education Science

improve teaching and learning worldwide.

Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002), 20 U.S. Code, §

This questionnaire is addressed to teachers of

9543. You do not have to provide the information

eighth-grade students and seeks information about

requested. However, the information you provide

teachers’ academic and professional backgrounds,

will help the U.S. Department of Education’s ongoing

classroom resources, instructional practices, and

efforts to understand better how the educational

attitudes toward teaching. Since your class has

system in the United States compares to that in

been selected as part of a nationwide sample, your

other countries. There are no penalties should you

responses are very important in helping to describe

choose not to participate in this study. Your answers

eighth-grade education in the United States.

may be used only for statistical purposes and may

Some of the questions in the questionnaire refer

not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for

to the “TIMSS class” or “this class.” This is the class

any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.

that is identified on the front of this booklet and that

Code, § 9573). Your response will be combined with

will be tested as part of TIMSS in your school. If you

those from other participants to produce summary

teach some but not all of the students in the TIMSS

statistics and reports.
This survey is estimated to take an average of 30

class, please think only of the students that you teach
when answering these class-specific questions. It is

minutes, including time for reviewing instructions,

important that you answer each question carefully

and completing and reviewing the collection

so that the information that you provide reflects your

of information. An agency may not conduct or

situation as accurately as possible.

sponsor, and a person is not required to respond

Since TIMSS is an international study and all

to, a collection of information unless it displays a

countries are using the same questionnaire, you may

currently valid OMB control number. Send comments

find that some of the questions seem unusual or are

regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of

not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United

this collection of information, including suggestions

States. Nevertheless, it is important that you do your

for reducing burden, to: Stephen Provasnik, National

best to answer all of the questions so comparisons can

Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department

be made across countries in the studies.

of Education, 1990 K Street NW, Room 8123,
Washington, DC 20006-5650. Do not return the
completed form to this address.

TIMSS 2015
2

Thank you.

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics
86

About You

1

5
What year did you start teaching?

What is the highest level of formal education you
have completed?

_____________

Fill in one circle only.

Please write in a year.

1
High school graduate --- 2

Did not complete high school ---

(If you have not completed more
than high school, go to question 7)

2
At the end of this school year, how many years will
you have taught altogether?
_____________ years
Please round to the nearest whole number.

Associate’s degree
(2-year college program) ---

3

Bachelor’s degree
(4-year college program) ---

4

Master’s degree or professional
degree (MD, DDS, lawyer, minister) ---

5
Doctorate (Ph.D., or Ed.D.) --- 6

3
Are you female or male?
Fill in one circle only.

1
Male --- 2

Female ---

6
During your college or university education, what
was your major or main area(s) of study?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

4

Yes
No

How old are you?
Fill in one circle only.

1
25–29 --- 2
30–39 --- 3
40–49 --- 4
50–59 --- 5
60 or more --- 6
Under 25 ---

1
b) Biology ------------------------------------------- 1
c) Physics ------------------------------------------- 1
d) Chemistry ---------------------------------------- 1
e) Earth Science ------------------------------------ 1
f) Education–Mathematics ------------------------ 1
g) Education–Science ------------------------------ 1
h) Education–General ------------------------------ 1
i) Other --------------------------------------------- 1
a) Mathematics -------------------------------------

Grade 887Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

3

School Emphasis on Academic Success

7
How would you characterize each of the following within your school?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very high

Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very high

High

High
Medium

Medium
Low

Low
Very
low

a) Teachers' understanding
of the school's curricular
goals --------------------------- 1
b) Teachers’ degree of
success in implementing
the school’s curriculum -------- 1
c) Teachers’ expectations
for student achievement ------ 1

4

2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5

Very
low

k) Students’ desire to do
well in school ------------------ 1

2 3 4 5

l) Students’ ability to reach
school’s academic goals ------- 1

2 3 4 5

m) Students’ respect for
classmates who excel
in school ----------------------- 1

2 3 4 5

n) Clarity of the school’s
educational objectives -------- 1

2 3 4 5

o) Collaboration between
school leadership and
teachers to plan instruction --- 1

2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5

d) Teachers working together
to improve student
achievement ------------------- 1

2 3 4 5

e) Teachers’ ability to
inspire students ---------------- 1

2 3 4 5

f) Parental involvement
in school activities ------------- 1

2 3 4 5

p) Amount of instructional
support provided to teachers
by school leadership ----------- 1

g) Parental commitment to
ensure that students are
ready to learn ------------------ 1

2 3 4 5

q) School leadership’s
support for teachers’
professional development ----- 1

h) Parental expectations for
student achievement ---------- 1

2 3 4 5

i) Parental support for
student achievement ---------- 1

2 3 4 5

j) Parental pressure for the
school to maintain high
academic standards ----------- 1

2 3 4 5

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics
88

School Environment

8

9
Thinking about your current school, indicate the
extent to which you agree or disagree with each of
the following statements.
Fill in only one circle for each row.

In your current school, how severe is each problem?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Not a problem
Minor problem

Agree a lot

Moderate problem

Agree a little

Serious
problem

Disagree a little
Disagree
a lot

a) This school is located in
a safe neighborhood ---------- 1

2 3 4
b) I feel safe at this school -------- 1 2 3 4

a) The school building needs
significant repair -------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Teachers do not have
adequate workspace (e.g., for
preparation, collaboration,
or meeting with students) ---- 1

2 3 4

c) Teachers do not have
adequate instructional
materials and supplies -------- 1

2 3 4

d) The school classrooms are
not cleaned often enough ----- 1

2 3 4

e) The school classrooms need
maintenance work ------------ 1

2 3 4
2 3 4
2 3 4

c) This school’s security policies
and practices are sufficient ---- 1

2 3 4

d) The students behave in an
orderly manner ---------------- 1

2 3 4

e ) The students are respectful
of the teachers ----------------- 1

2 3 4

f ) The students respect
school property ---------------- 1

2 3 4

g) This school has clear rules
about student conduct -------- 1

2 3 4

f) Teachers do not have
adequate technological
resources ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) Teachers do not have
adequate support for
using technology -------------- 1

h) This school’s rules are
enforced in a fair and
consistent manner ------------- 1

Grade 889Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics

5

About Being a Teacher

10

11
How often do you have the following types of
interactions with other teachers?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very often

How often do you feel the following way
about being a teacher?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very often

Often

Often
Sometimes

Sometimes

Never or
almost
never

a) Discuss how to teach
a particular topic -------------- 1
b) Collaborate in planning
and preparing instructional
materials ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

a) I am content with my
profession as a teacher -------- 1

2 3 4

b) I am satisfied with being
a teacher at this school -------- 1

2 3 4

c) I find my work full of
meaning and purpose --------- 1

2 3 4

c) Share what I have
learned about my
teaching experiences ---------- 1

2 3 4

d) Visit another classroom
to learn more about teaching - 1

2 3 4

2 3 4
e) My work inspires me ----------- 1 2 3 4

2 3 4

f) I am proud of the
work I do ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) I am going to continue
teaching for as long as I can --- 1

2 3 4

e) Work together to
try out new ideas -------------- 1

6

2 3 4

Never or
almost
never

f) Work as a group on
implementing the
curriculum --------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) Work with teachers from
other grades to ensure
continuity in learning --------- 1

2 3 4

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics
90

d) I am enthusiastic
about my job ------------------ 1

12
Indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree
with each of the following statements.
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Agree a lot
Agree a little
Disagree a little
Disagree
a lot

a) There are too many
students in the classes --------- 1

2 3 4

b) I have too much material to
cover in class ------------------- 1

2 3 4

c) I have too many teaching
hours --------------------------- 1

2 3 4

d) I need more time to prepare
for class ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

e) I need more time to assist
individual students ------------ 1

2 3 4

f) I feel too much pressure
from parents ------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) I have difficulty keeping up
with all of the changes to the
curriculum --------------------- 1

2 3 4

h) I have too many
administrative tasks ----------- 1

2 3 4

Grade 891Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics

7

About Teaching the TIMSS Class

Questions 13 -16 ask about instruction for the
eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

16

13

In your view, to what extent do the following limit
how you teach this class?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

How many students are in this class?

Not at all
Some

_____________ students

A lot

Write in the number.

14
How many eighth-grade students experience
difficulties understanding spoken English?
_____________ students in this class
Write in the number.

15
How often do you do the following in teaching this
class?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Every or almost every lesson
About half the lessons
Some lessons
Never

8

a) Relate the lesson to students’
daily lives ---------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Ask students to explain
their answers ------------------ 1

2 3 4

c) Ask students to complete
challenging exercises that
require them to go beyond
the instruction ----------------- 1

2 3 4

d) Encourage classroom
discussions among
students ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

e) Link new content to
students’ prior knowledge ---- 1

2 3 4

f) Ask students to decide
their own problem
solving procedures ------------ 1

2 3 4

g) Encourage students to
express their ideas in class ---- 1

2 3 4

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics
92

a) Students lacking prerequisite
knowledge or skills ------------ 1

2 3

b) Students suffering from lack
of basic nutrition --------------- 1

2 3

c) Students suffering from not
enough sleep ------------------- 1

2 3
d) Disruptive students ------------ 1 2 3
e) Uninterested students --------- 1 2 3
f) Students with physical
disabilities ---------------------- 1

2 3

g) Students with mental,
emotional, or psychological
disabilities ---------------------- 1

2 3

Teaching Mathematics to the TIMSS Class

19
Questions 17 - 20 ask about mathematics
instruction for the eighth-grade students in the
TIMSS class.

In teaching mathematics to this class, how often do
you ask students to do the following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Every or almost every lesson

17

About half the lessons

In a typical week, how much time do you spend
teaching mathematics to the students in this class?
_____________ minutes per week
Write in the number of minutes per week.
Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

18
In teaching mathematics to this class, how would
you characterize your confidence in doing the
following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very high
High
Medium
Low

a) Inspiring students to learn
mathematics ------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Showing students a variety of
problem solving strategies ---- 1

2 3 4

c) Providing challenging tasks
for the highest achieving
students ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

d) Adapting my teaching to
engage students’ interest ------ 1

2 3 4

e) Helping students appreciate
the value of learning
mathematics ------------------- 1

2 3 4

f) Assessing student
comprehension of
mathematics ------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) Improving the understanding
of struggling students --------- 1

2 3 4

h) Making mathematics
relevant to students ----------- 1

2 3 4

i) Developing students’
higher-order
thinking skills ------------------ 1

2 3 4

Some lessons
Never

a) Listen to me explain new
mathematics content ---------- 1

2 3 4

b) Listen to me explain how to
solve problems ----------------- 1

2 3 4

c) Memorize rules, procedures,
and facts ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

d) Work problems (individually
or with peers) with my
guidance ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

e) Work problems together in
the whole class with direct
guidance from me ------------- 1

2 3 4

f) Work problems (individually
or with peers) while I am
occupied by other tasks -------- 1

2 3 4

g) Work on problems for which
there is no immediately
obvious method of solution --- 1

2
h) Take a written test or quiz ----- 1 2
i) Work in mixed ability groups -- 1 2
j) Work in same ability groups --- 1 2

Grade 893Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics

3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4

9

20
Which best describes the mathematics course you
are teaching to the class with the TIMSS students?
Fill in one circle only.

a) Basic or general eighth-grade math
(not algebra or pre-algebra) ---------------------

1
b) Pre-algebra or introduction to algebra ---------- 2
c) Two-year pre-algebra----------------------------- 3
d) Algebra I (one-year course) ---------------------- 4
e) Algebra I (first year of a two-year
Algebra I course) ---------------------------------

5

f) Algebra I (second year of two-year
Algebra I course) ---------------------------------

6
g) Geometry ----------------------------------------- 7
h) Algebra II ----------------------------------------- 8
i) Integrated or sequential math -------------------- 9
j) Other math class ---------------------------------- 0

10

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics
94

Using Calculators and Computers for Teaching Mathematics
to the TIMSS Class

22
Questions 21 - 22 ask about resources for
teaching mathematics to the eighth-grade
students in the TIMSS class.

A. Do the students in this class have computers
(including tablets) available to use during their
mathematics lessons?
Fill in one circle only.

21

1
No --- 2

Yes ---

A. Are the students in this class permitted to use
calculators during mathematics lessons?

(If No, go to question 23)

Fill in one circle only.

1
Yes, with restricted use ---- 2

If Yes,

Yes, with unrestricted use ----

No, calculators
are not permitted ----

B. What access do the students have to computers?

3

Fill in only one circle for each row.

(If No, go to question 22)

Yes
No

If Yes,
B. How often do students in this class use calculators
in their mathematics lessons for the following
activities?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Every or almost every lesson
About half the lessons
Some lessons
Never

a) Check answers ----------------- 1

2
b) Do routine computations ------ 1 2
c) Solve complex problems ------- 1 2
d) Explore number concepts ------ 1 2

3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4

a) Each student has a computer -------------------

1 2

b) The class has computers that students
can share -----------------------------------------

1 2

c) The school has computers that the class
can use sometimes ------------------------------

1 2

C. How often do you have the students do the
following activities on computers during
mathematics lessons?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Every or almost every day
Once or twice a week
Once or twice a
month
Never or
almost
never

a) Explore mathematics
principles and concepts -------- 1

2 3 4
b) Practice skills and procedures - 1 2 3 4
c) Look up ideas and
information -------------------- 1

2 3 4
d) Process and analyze data ------ 1 2 3 4

Grade 895Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics

11

Mathematics Topics Taught to the TIMSS Class
Question 23 asks about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching mathematics to the
eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

23
The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS mathematics test. Choose the response that
best describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before
the eighth grade, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not yet
completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet
taught or just introduced.”
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Mostly taught before this year
Mostly taught this year
Not yet taught or
just introduced

A. Number

a) Computing with whole numbers --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
b) Comparing and ordering rational numbers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
c) Computing with rational numbers (fractions, decimals, and integers) ----------------------------------------------------- 1
d) Concepts of irrational numbers ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
e) Problem solving involving percents or proportions -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3

2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3

2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3

B. Algebra

a) Simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
b) Simple linear equations and inequalities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1
c) Simultaneous (two variables) equations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
d) Numeric, algebraic, and geometric patterns or sequences (extension, missing terms, generalization of patterns) ------- 1
e) Representation of functions as ordered pairs, tables, graphs, words, or equations ----------------------------------------- 1
f) Properties of functions (slopes, intercepts, etc.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
C. Geometry

a) Geometric properties of angles and geometric shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, and other common polygons) --------- 1
b) Congruent figures and similar triangles -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
c) Relationship between three-dimensional shapes and their two-dimensional representations---------------------------- 1
d) Using appropriate measurement formulas for perimeters, circumferences, areas, surface areas, and volumes ----------- 1
e) Points on the Cartesian plane------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
f) Translation, reflection, and rotation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1
D. Data and Chance

a) Characteristics of data sets (mean, median, mode, and shape of distributions) -------------------------------------------- 1
b) Interpreting data sets (e.g., draw conclusions, make predictions, and estimate values between and
beyond given data points) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

2 3
c) Judging, predicting, and determining the chances of possible outcomes --------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3
12

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics
96

Mathematics Homework
for the TIMSS Class

24

Mathematics Assessment
of the TIMSS Class

Question 24 asks about mathematics homework
for the eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

A. How often do you usually assign mathematics
homework to the students in this class?
Fill in one circle only.

I do not assign mathematics
homework ----

1

Question 25 asks about mathematics
assessment for the eighth-grade students in the
TIMSS class.

25
How much emphasis do you place on the
following sources to monitor students’ progress in
mathematics?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

(Go to question 25)

Major emphasis

2
1 or 2 times a week ---- 3
3 or 4 times a week ---- 4
Every day ---- 5

Some emphasis

Less than once a week ----

Little or no
emphasis

B. When you assign mathematics homework to the
students in this class, about how many minutes do
you usually assign? (Consider the time it would take
an average student in your class.)

a) Assessment of students’
ongoing work ------------------ 1

2 3

b) Classroom tests (for
example, teacher-made or
textbook tests) ----------------- 1

2 3

c) State or district
achievement tests-------------- 1

2 3

Fill in one circle only.

1
16–30 minutes ---- 2
31–60 minutes ---- 3
61–90 minutes ---- 4
More than 90 minutes ---- 5
15 minutes or less ----

C. How often do you do the following with the
mathematics homework assignments for this class?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Always or almost always
Sometimes
Never or
almost never

a) Correct assignments and
give feedback to students ----- 1

2 3

b) Have students correct
their own homework ---------- 1

2 3

c) Discuss the homework
in class ------------------------- 1

2 3

d) Monitor whether or not the
homework was completed ---- 1

2 3

e) Use the homework to
contribute towards
students’ grades or marks ----- 1

2 3
Grade 897Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics

13

Preparation to Teach Mathematics

26

27
In the past two years, have you participated
in professional development in any of the
following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

Fill in one circle only.

Yes
No

1 2
b) Mathematics pedagogy/instruction ------------- 1 2
c) Mathematics curriculum ------------------------- 1 2
a) Mathematics content ----------------------------

d) Integrating information
technology into mathematics -------------------

1 2

e) Improving students’ critical thinking or
problem solving skills ----------------------------

1 2
f) Mathematics assessment ------------------------ 1 2
g) Addressing individual students’ needs ---------- 1 2

14

In the past two years, how many hours in total
have you spent in formal in-service/professional
development (e.g., workshops, seminars)
for mathematics?

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics
98

1
Less than 6 hours ---- 2
6–15 hours ---- 3
16–35 hours ---- 4
More than 35 hours ---- 5
None ----

28
How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following mathematics topics?
If a topic is not in the eighth-grade curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please choose
“Not applicable.”
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Not applicable
Very well prepared
Somewhat
prepared
Not well
prepared

A. Number

a) Computing with whole numbers --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
b) Comparing and ordering rational numbers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
c) Computing with rational numbers (fractions, decimals, and integers) ----------------------------------------------------- 1
d) Concepts of irrational numbers ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
e) Problem solving involving percents or proportions -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4
4

2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4
4
4

2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4
4
4

B. Algebra

a) Simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
b) Simple linear equations and inequalities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1
c) Simultaneous (two variables) equations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
d) Numeric, algebraic, and geometric patterns or sequences (extension, missing terms, generalization of patterns) ------- 1
e) Representation of functions as ordered pairs, tables, graphs, words, or equations ----------------------------------------- 1
f) Properties of functions (slopes, intercepts, etc.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
C. Geometry

a) Geometric properties of angles and geometric shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, and other common polygons) --------- 1
b) Congruent figures and similar triangles -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
c) Relationship between three-dimensional shapes and their two-dimensional representations---------------------------- 1
d) Using appropriate measurement formulas for perimeters, circumferences, areas, surface areas, and volumes ----------- 1
e) Points on the Cartesian plane------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
f) Translation, reflection, and rotation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1
D. Data and Chance

a) Characteristics of data sets (mean, median, mode, and shape of distributions) -------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Interpreting data sets (e.g., draw conclusions, make predictions, and estimate values between and
beyond given data points) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4
c) Judging, predicting, and determining the chances of possible outcomes --------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

Grade 899Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics

15

THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK ON PURPOSE

16

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics
100

Thank You
Thank you for the thought, time, and effort you have
put into completing this questionnaire.

Grade 101
8 Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics

17

THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK ON PURPOSE

18

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics
102

THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK ON PURPOSE

Grade 103
8 Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics

19

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Teacher Questionnaire
Mathematics
Grade 8

© IEA, 2014
International Association
for the Evaluation of
Educational Achievement

timss.bc.edu
104

Place Label Here
School ID: ____ ____ ____ ____

Identification Label

Class ID: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Teacher ID: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Link #: ____ ____

Subject: ____ ____

Checksum: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Teacher Questionnaire
Science
Grade 8
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education
1990 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20006-5650

© IEA, 2014

U.S. participation in this study is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education, and authorized by the Education Sciences Reform
Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C., § 9543). Your responses are protected by federal statute (20 U.S.C., § 9573) and may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in
identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control
number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0695. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated
to average 30 minutes per respondent, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the
information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s), suggestions for improving the form, or comments or concerns
regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), National Center for
105 D.C. 20006.
Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., Washington,
OMB No. 1850-0695, Approval Expires 9/30/2017.
869863

Printed in the USA by Pearson

ISD10749

Teacher Questionnaire
Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS

It is estimated that you will need approximately

2015 (Trends in International Mathematics and

30 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We

Science Study), an educational research project

appreciate the time and effort that this takes and

sponsored by the International Association for

thank you for your cooperation and contribution.

the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA).
TIMSS measures trends in student achievement in
mathematics and science and studies differences in

When you have completed the questionnaire,
please return it to the TIMSS school coordinator.
NCES is authorized to collect information from

national education systems in almost 60 countries

the questionnaire under the Education Science

in order to help improve teaching and learning

Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002), 20 U.S. Code, §

worldwide.

9543. You do not have to provide the information

This questionnaire is addressed to teachers of

requested. However, the information you provide

eighth-grade students and seeks information about

will help the U.S. Department of Education’s ongoing

teachers’ academic and professional backgrounds,

efforts to understand better how the educational

classroom resources, instructional practices, and

system in the United States compares to that in

attitudes toward teaching. Since your class has

other countries. There are no penalties should you

been selected as part of a nationwide sample, your

choose not to participate in this study. Your answers

responses are very important in helping to describe

may be used only for statistical purposes and may

eighth-grade education in the United States.

not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for

Some of the questions in the questionnaire refer

any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.

to the “TIMSS class” or “this class.” This is the class

Code, § 9573). Your response will be combined with

that is identified on the front of this booklet and that

those from other participants to produce summary

will be tested as part of TIMSS in your school. If you

statistics and reports.

teach some but not all of the students in the TIMSS

This survey is estimated to take an average of 30

class, please think only of the students that you teach

minutes, including time for reviewing instructions,

when answering these class-specific questions. It is

and completing and reviewing the collection

important that you answer each question carefully

of information. An agency may not conduct or

so that the information that you provide reflects your

sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a

situation as accurately as possible.

collection of information unless it displays a currently

Since TIMSS is an international study and all

valid OMB control number. Send comments

countries are using the same questionnaire, you may

regarding this burden estimate or any other

find that some of the questions seem unusual or are

aspect of this collection of information, including

not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United

suggestions for reducing burden, to: Stephen

States. Nevertheless, it is important that you do your

Provasnik, National Center for Education Statistics,

best to answer all of the questions so comparisons

U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street NW,

can be made across countries in the studies.

Room 8123, Washington, DC 20006-5650. Do not
return the completed form to this address.

TIMSS 2015
2

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
106

Thank you.

About You

1

5
What year did you start teaching?

What is the highest level of formal education you
have completed?

_____________

Fill in one circle only.

Please write in a year.

1
High school graduate --- 2

Did not complete high school ---

(If you have not completed more
than high school, go to question 7)

2
At the end of this school year, how many years will
you have taught altogether?
_____________ years
Please round to the nearest whole number.

Associate’s degree
(2-year college program) ---

3

Bachelor’s degree
(4-year college program) ---

4

Master’s degree or professional
degree (MD, DDS, lawyer, minister) ---

5
Doctorate (Ph.D., or Ed.D.) --- 6

3
Are you female or male?
Fill in one circle only.

1
Male -- 2

Female --

6
During your college or university education, what
was your major or main area(s) of study?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

4

Yes
No

How old are you?
Fill in one circle only.

1
25–29 -- 2
30–39 -- 3
40–49 -- 4
50–59 -- 5
60 or more -- 6
Under 25 --

1
b) Biology ------------------------------------------- 1
c) Physics ------------------------------------------- 1
d) Chemistry ---------------------------------------- 1
e) Earth Science ------------------------------------ 1
f) Education–Mathematics ------------------------ 1
g) Education–Science ------------------------------ 1
h) Education–General ------------------------------ 1
i) Other --------------------------------------------- 1
a) Mathematics -------------------------------------

Grade
8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
107

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

3

School Emphasis on Academic Success

7
How would you characterize each of the following within your school?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very high

Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very high

High

High
Medium

Medium
Low

Low
Very
low

a) Teachers' understanding
of the school's curricular
goals --------------------------- 1
b) Teachers’ degree of
success in implementing
the school’s curriculum -------- 1
c) Teachers’ expectations
for student achievement ------ 1

4

2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5

Very
low

k) Students’ desire to do
well in school ------------------ 1

2 3 4 5

l) Students’ ability to reach
school’s academic goals ------- 1

2 3 4 5

m) Students’ respect for
classmates who excel
in school ----------------------- 1

2 3 4 5

n) Clarity of the school’s
educational objectives -------- 1

2 3 4 5

o) Collaboration between
school leadership and
teachers to plan instruction --- 1

2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5

d) Teachers working together
to improve student
achievement ------------------- 1

2 3 4 5

e) Teachers’ ability to
inspire students ---------------- 1

2 3 4 5

f) Parental involvement
in school activities ------------- 1

2 3 4 5

p) Amount of instructional
support provided to teachers
by school leadership ----------- 1

g) Parental commitment to
ensure that students are
ready to learn ------------------ 1

2 3 4 5

q) School leadership’s
support for teachers’
professional development ----- 1

h) Parental expectations for
student achievement ---------- 1

2 3 4 5

i) Parental support for
student achievement ---------- 1

2 3 4 5

j) Parental pressure for the
school to maintain high
academic standards ----------- 1

2 3 4 5

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
108

School Environment

8

9
Thinking about your current school, indicate the
extent to which you agree or disagree with each of
the following statements.
Fill in only one circle for each row.

In your current school, how severe is each problem?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Not a problem
Minor problem

Agree a lot

Moderate problem

Agree a little

Serious
problem

Disagree a little
Disagree
a lot

a) This school is located in
a safe neighborhood ---------- 1

2 3 4
b) I feel safe at this school -------- 1 2 3 4

a) The school building needs
significant repair -------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Teachers do not have
adequate workspace (e.g., for
preparation, collaboration,
or meeting with students) ---- 1

2 3 4

c) Teachers do not have
adequate instructional
materials and supplies -------- 1

2 3 4

d) The school classrooms are
not cleaned often enough ----- 1

2 3 4

e) The school classrooms need
maintenance work ------------ 1

2 3 4
2 3 4
2 3 4

c) This school’s security policies
and practices are sufficient ---- 1

2 3 4

d) The students behave in an
orderly manner ---------------- 1

2 3 4

e ) The students are respectful
of the teachers ----------------- 1

2 3 4

f ) The students respect
school property ---------------- 1

2 3 4

g) This school has clear rules
about student conduct -------- 1

2 3 4

f) Teachers do not have
adequate technological
resources ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) Teachers do not have
adequate support for
using technology -------------- 1

h) This school’s rules are
enforced in a fair and
consistent manner ------------- 1

Grade
8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
109

5

About Being a Teacher

10

11
How often do you have the following types of
interactions with other teachers?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very often

How often do you feel the following way
about being a teacher?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very often

Often

Often
Sometimes

Sometimes

Never or
almost
never

a) Discuss how to teach
a particular topic -------------- 1
b) Collaborate in planning
and preparing instructional
materials ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

a) I am content with my
profession as a teacher -------- 1

2 3 4

b) I am satisfied with being
a teacher at this school -------- 1

2 3 4

c) I find my work full of
meaning and purpose --------- 1

2 3 4

c) Share what I have
learned about my
teaching experiences ---------- 1

2 3 4

d) Visit another classroom
to learn more about teaching - 1

2 3 4

2 3 4
e) My work inspires me ----------- 1 2 3 4

2 3 4

f) I am proud of the
work I do ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) I am going to continue
teaching for as long as I can --- 1

2 3 4

e) Work together to
try out new ideas -------------- 1

6

2 3 4

Never or
almost
never

f) Work as a group on
implementing the
curriculum --------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) Work with teachers from
other grades to ensure
continuity in learning --------- 1

2 3 4

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
110

d) I am enthusiastic
about my job ------------------ 1

About Teaching the TIMSS Class

12

Questions 13 - 16 ask about instruction for the
eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

Indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree
with each of the following statements.
Fill in only one circle for each row.

13

Agree a lot

How many students are in this class?

Agree a little
Disagree a little

_____________ students
Write in the number.

Disagree
a lot

a) There are too many
students in the classes --------- 1

2 3 4

b) I have too much material to
cover in class ------------------- 1

2 3 4

How many eighth-grade students experience
difficulties understanding spoken English?

c) I have too many teaching
hours --------------------------- 1

2 3 4

_____________ students in this class

14

Write in the number.

d) I need more time to prepare
for class ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

e) I need more time to assist
individual students ------------ 1

2 3 4

f) I feel too much pressure
from parents ------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) I have difficulty keeping up
with all of the changes to the
curriculum --------------------- 1

2 3 4

h) I have too many
administrative tasks ----------- 1

2 3 4

15
How often do you do the following in teaching this
class?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Every or almost every lesson
About half the lessons
Some lessons
Never

a) Relate the lesson to students’
daily lives ---------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Ask students to explain
their answers ------------------ 1

2 3 4

c) Ask students to complete
challenging exercises that
require them to go beyond
the instruction ----------------- 1

2 3 4

d) Encourage classroom
discussions among
students ----------------------- 1

2 3 4

e) Link new content to
students’ prior knowledge ---- 1

2 3 4

f) Ask students to decide
their own problem
solving procedures ------------ 1

2 3 4

g) Encourage students to
express their ideas in class ---- 1

2 3 4

Grade
8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
111

7

Teaching Science to the TIMSS Class

16
In your view, to what extent do the following limit
how you teach this class?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

Questions 17 - 20 ask about science instruction
for the eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

17
In a typical week, how much time do you spend
teaching science to the students in this class?

Not at all
Some
A lot

a) Students lacking prerequisite
knowledge or skills ------------ 1

2 3

b) Students suffering from
lack of basic nutrition --------- 1

2 3

c) Students suffering from
not enough sleep -------------- 1

2 3
d) Disruptive students ------------ 1 2 3
e) Uninterested students --------- 1 2 3
f) Students with physical
disabilities --------------------- 1
g) Students with mental,
emotional, or psychological
disabilities --------------------- 1

8

_____________ minutes per week
Write in the number of minutes per week.
Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

18
In teaching science to this class, how would you
characterize your confidence in doing the following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very high
High

2 3

Medium
Low

2 3

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
112

a) Inspiring students to learn
science ------------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Explaining science concepts or
principles by doing science
experiments -------------------- 1

2 3 4

c) Providing challenging tasks
for the highest achieving
students ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

d) Adapting my teaching to
engage students’ interest ------ 1

2 3 4

e) Helping students appreciate
the value of learning science -- 1

2 3 4

f) Assessing student
comprehension of science ----- 1

2 3 4

g) Improving the understanding
of struggling students --------- 1

2 3 4

h) Making science relevant to
students ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

i) Developing students’
higher-order
thinking skills ------------------ 1

2 3 4

j) Teaching science using inquiry
methods ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

19

20
In teaching science to the students in this class, how
often do you ask them to do the following?

Which best describes the science course you are
teaching to the class with the TIMSS students?

Fill in only one circle for each row.
Every or almost every lesson

Fill in one circle only.

About half the lessons
Some lessons
Never

a) Listen to me explain new
science content ---------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Observe natural phenomena
and describe what they see --- 1

2 3 4

c) Watch me demonstrate
an experiment or
investigation ------------------- 1

2 3 4

d) Design or plan experiments
or investigations --------------- 1

2 3 4

e) Conduct experiments or
investigations ------------------ 1

2 3 4

f) Present data from
experiments or investigations - 1

2 3 4

g) Interpret data from
experiments or investigations - 1

2 3 4

h) Use evidence from
experiments or investigations
to support conclusions -------- 1

2 3 4

i) Read their textbooks or
other resource materials ------- 1

2 3 4

j) Have students memorize
facts and principles ------------ 1

2 3 4

k) Use scientific formulas and
laws to solve routine
problems ----------------------- 1
l) Do field work outside of class -- 1
m) Take a written test or quiz ----- 1
n) Work in mixed ability groups -- 1
o) Work in same ability groups --- 1

2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3

a) General science (several content areas of
science taught separately) -----------------------

1

b) Integrated science (several content areas of
science combined and taught together
throughout the year) ----------------------------

2

c) Life science (e.g., biology, ecosystems,
human health) -----------------------------------

3
d) Physical science (e.g., physics or chemistry) ----- 4
e) Earth science (e.g., geology, Earth and
the solar system, fossils) -------------------------

5

4
4
4
4
4

Grade
8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
113

9

Using Computers for Teaching
Science to the TIMSS Class

21

Question 21 asks about resources for teaching
science to the eighth-grade students in the
TIMSS class.

A. Do the students in this class have computers
(including tablets) available to use during their
science lessons?
Fill in one circle only.

1
No -- 2

Yes --

(If No, go to question 22)

If Yes,
B. What access do the students have to computers?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Yes
No

a) Each student has a computer -------------------

1 2

b) The class has computers that students
can share -----------------------------------------

1 2

c) The school has computers that the class
can use sometimes ------------------------------

1 2

C. How often do you have the students do the following activities on computers during
science lessons?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Every or almost every day
Once or twice a week
Once or twice a
month
Never or
almost
never

a) Practice skills and
procedures --------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Look up ideas and
information -------------------- 1

2 3 4

c) Do scientific procedures
or experiments ----------------- 1

2 3 4

d) Study natural phenomena
through simulations ----------- 1

2 3 4
e) Process and analyze data ------ 1 2 3 4
10

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
114

Science Topics Taught to the TIMSS Class
Question 22 asks about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching science to the
eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

22
The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS science test. Choose the response that best
describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before
the eighth grade, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not yet
completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet
taught or just introduced.”
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Mostly taught before this year
Mostly taught this year
Not yet taught or
just introduced

A. Biology

a) Differences among major taxonomic groups of organisms (plants, animals, fungi, mammals, birds,
reptiles, fish, amphibians) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

b) Major organs and organ systems in humans and other organisms (structure/function, life processes that
maintain stable bodily conditions) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3
c) Cells, their structure and functions, including respiration and photosynthesis as cellular processes ----------------------- 1 2 3
d) Life cycles, sexual reproduction, and heredity (passing on of traits, inherited versus acquired/learned
characteristics) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

e) Role of variation and adaptation in survival/extinction of species in a changing environment (including fossil
evidence for changes in life on Earth over time) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

f) Interdependence of populations of organisms in an ecosystem (e.g., energy flow, food webs, competition,
predation) and factors affecting population size in an ecosystem ---------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

g) Human health (causes of infectious diseases, methods of infection, prevention, immunity) and the importance
of diet and exercise in maintaining health ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

B. Chemistry

a) Classification, composition, and particulate structure of matter (elements, compounds, mixtures, molecules,
atoms, protons, neutrons, electrons) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2
b) Physical and chemical properties of matter ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2
c) Mixtures and solutions (solvent, solute, concentration/dilution, effect of temperature on solubility) --------------------- 1 2
d) Properties and uses of common acids and bases ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2

3
3
3
3

e) Chemical change (transformation of reactants, evidence of chemical change, conservation of matter,
common oxidation reactions – combustion, rusting, tarnishing) ----------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3
f) The role of electrons in chemical bonds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

Grade
8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
115

11

22

(continued)
Choose the response that best describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic
was in the curriculum before the eighth grade, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was
taught half this year but not yet completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the
curriculum, please choose “Not yet taught or just introduced.”
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Mostly taught before this year
Mostly taught this year
Not yet taught or
just introduced

C. Physics

a) Physical states and changes in matter (explanations of properties in terms of movement and distance
between particles; phase change, thermal expansion, and changes in volume and/or pressure) ------------------------- 1

2 3
b) Energy forms, transformations, heat, and temperature --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3
c) Basic properties/behaviors of light (reflection, refraction, light and color, simple ray diagrams)
and sound (transmission through media, loudness, pitch, amplitude, frequency) ----------------------------------------- 1

2 3

d) Electric circuits (flow of current; types of circuits – parallel/series) and properties
and uses of permanent magnets and electromagnets ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3
e) Forces and motion (types of forces, basic description of motion, effects of density and pressure) ------------------------- 1 2 3

D. Earth Science

12

a) Earth’s structure and physical features (Earth’s crust, mantle, and core; composition and relative distribution
of water, and composition of air) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

b) Earth’s processes, cycles, and history (rock cycle; water cycle; weather versus climate; major geological events;
formation of fossils and fossil fuels) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1

2 3

c) Earth’s resources, their use and conservation (e.g., renewable/nonrenewable resources, human use of
land/soil, water resources) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

d) Earth in the solar system and the universe (phenomena on Earth – day/night, tides, phases of moon, eclipses,
seasons; physical features of Earth compared to other bodies) ------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
116

Science Assessment of the
TIMSS Class

Science Homework for the
TIMSS Class

23

Question 23 asks about science homework for the
eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

A. How often do you usually assign science
homework to the students in this class?
Fill in one circle only.

I do not assign science
homework ---

24

Question 24 asks about science assessment for
the eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.
How much emphasis do you place on the following
sources to monitor students’ progress in science?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Major emphasis

1

Some emphasis

(Go to question 24)

2
1 or 2 times a week --- 3
3 or 4 times a week --- 4
Every day --- 5

Less than once a week ---

B. When you assign science homework to the
students in this class, about how many minutes
do you usually assign? (Consider the time it
would take an average student in your class.)

Little or no
emphasis

a) Assessment of students’
ongoing work ------------------ 1

2 3

b) Classroom tests (for
example, teacher-made or
textbook tests) ----------------- 1

2 3

c) State or district
achievement tests ------------- 1

2 3

Fill in one circle only.

1
16–30 minutes --- 2
31–60 minutes --- 3
61–90 minutes --- 4
More than 90 minutes --- 5
15 minutes or less ---

C. How often do you do the following with the
science homework assignments for this class?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Always or almost always
Sometimes
Never or
almost never

a) Correct assignments and
give feedback to students ----- 1

2 3

b) Have students correct
their own homework ---------- 1

2 3

c) Discuss the homework
in class ------------------------- 1

2 3

d) Monitor whether or not the
homework was completed ---- 1

2 3

e) Use the homework to
contribute towards
students’ grades or marks ----- 1

2 3
Grade
8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
117

13

Preparation to Teach Science

25

26
In the past two years, how many hours in total
have you spent in formal in-service/professional
development (e.g., workshops, seminars)
for science?

In the past two years, have you participated
in professional development in any of the
following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Yes
No

1 2
b) Science pedagogy/instruction ------------------- 1 2
c) Science curriculum ------------------------------- 1 2
a) Science content ----------------------------------

d) Integrating information technology
into science --------------------------------------

1 2

e) Improving students’ critical thinking or
inquiry skills -------------------------------------

1 2
f) Science assessment ------------------------------ 1 2
g) Addressing individual students’ needs ---------- 1 2

14

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
118

Fill in one circle only.

1
Less than 6 hours --- 2
6–15 hours --- 3
16–35 hours --- 4
More than 35 hours --- 5
None ---

27
How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following science topics?
If a topic is not in the eighth-grade curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please choose
“Not applicable.”
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Not applicable
Very well prepared
Somewhat
prepared
Not well
prepared

A. Biology

a) Differences among major taxonomic groups of organisms (plants, animals, fungi, mammals, birds,
reptiles, fish, amphibians) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Major organs and organ systems in humans and other organisms (structure/function, life processes that
maintain stable bodily conditions) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4
c) Cells, their structure and functions, including respiration and photosynthesis as cellular processes ---------------------- 1 2 3 4
d) Life cycles, sexual reproduction, and heredity (passing on of traits, inherited versus acquired/learned
characteristics) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

e) Role of variation and adaptation in survival/extinction of species in a changing environment (including fossil
evidence for changes in life on Earth over time) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

f) Interdependence of populations of organisms in an ecosystem (e.g., energy flow, food webs, competition,
predation) and factors affecting population size in an ecosystem ---------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

g) Human health (causes of infectious diseases, methods of infection, prevention, immunity) and the importance
of diet and exercise in maintaining health ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

B. Chemistry

a) Classification, composition, and particulate structure of matter (elements, compounds, mixtures, molecules,
atoms, protons, neutrons, electrons) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2
b) Physical and chemical properties of matter ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2
c) Mixtures and solutions (solvent, solute, concentration/dilution, effect of temperature on solubility) --------------------- 1 2
d) Properties and uses of common acids and bases ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2

3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4

e) Chemical change (transformation of reactants, evidence of chemical change, conservation of matter,
common oxidation reactions – combustion, rusting, tarnishing) ----------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4
f) The role of electrons in chemical bonds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

Grade
8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
119

15

27

(continued)
How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following science topics?
If a topic is not in the eighth grade curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please choose
“Not applicable.”
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Not applicable
Very well prepared
Somewhat
prepared
Not well
prepared

C. Physics

a) Physical states and changes in matter (explanations of properties in terms of movement and distance
between particles; phase change, thermal expansion, and changes in volume and/or pressure) ------------------------- 1

2 3 4
b) Energy forms, transformations, heat, and temperature --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4
c) Basic properties/behaviors of light (reflection, refraction, light and color, simple ray diagrams)
and sound (transmission through media, loudness, pitch, amplitude, frequency) ----------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

d) Electric circuits (flow of current; types of circuits – parallel/series) and properties
and uses of permanent magnets and electromagnets ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4
e) Forces and motion (types of forces, basic description of motion, effects of density and pressure) ------------------------- 1 2 3 4
D. Earth Science

16

a) Earth’s structure and physical features (Earth’s crust, mantle, and core; composition and relative distribution
of water, and composition of air) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Earth’s processes, cycles, and history (rock cycle; water cycle; weather versus climate; major geological events;
formation of fossils and fossil fuels) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1

2 3 4

c) Earth’s resources, their use and conservation (e.g., renewable/nonrenewable resources, human use of
land/soil, water resources)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

d) Earth in the solar system and the universe (phenomena on Earth – day/night, tides, phases of moon, eclipses,
seasons; physical features of Earth compared to other bodies)-------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2 3 4

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
120

Thank You
Thank you for the thought, time, and effort you have
put into completing this questionnaire.

Grade
8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
121

17

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18

Grade 8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
122

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Grade
8 Teacher Questionnaire – Science
123

19

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Teacher Questionnaire
Science
Grade 8

© IEA, 2014
International Association
for the Evaluation of
Educational Achievement

timss.bc.edu
124

Place Label Here
School ID ____ ____ ____ ____
Checksum ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

School
Questionnaire
Grade 4
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education
1990 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20006-5650

© IEA, 2014
U.S. participation in this study is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education, and authorized by the Education Sciences Reform
Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C., § 9543). Your responses are protected by federal statute (20 U.S.C., § 9573) and may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in
identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control
number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0695. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated
to average 30 minutes per respondent, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the
information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s), suggestions for improving the form, or comments or concerns
regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), National Center for
Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
OMB No. 1850-0695, Approval Expires 9/30/2017.
869861

Printed in the USA by Pearson

ISD10747

125

School Questionnaire
Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS

When you have completed the questionnaire,

2015 (Trends in International Mathematics and

please place it in the accompanying envelope and

Science Study), an educational research project

return it to the TIMSS school coordinator.

sponsored by the International Association for

NCES is authorized to collect information from

the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA).

the questionnaire under the Education Science

TIMSS measures trends in student achievement in

Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002), 20 U.S. Code, §

mathematics and science and studies differences in

9543. You do not have to provide the information

national education systems in almost 60 countries

requested. However, the information you provide

in order to help improve teaching and learning

will help the U.S. Department of Education’s ongoing

worldwide.

efforts to understand better how the educational

This questionnaire is addressed to school

system in the United States compares to that in

principals and department heads who are asked to

other countries. There are no penalties should you

supply information about their schools. Since your

choose not to participate in this study. Your answers

school has been selected as part of a nationwide

may be used only for statistical purposes and may

sample, your responses are very important in helping

not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for

to describe fourth-grade education in the United

any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.

States.

Code, § 9573). Your response will be combined with

It is important that you answer each question

those from other participants to produce summary

carefully so that the information provided reflects

statistics and reports.

the situation in your school as accurately as possible.

This survey is estimated to take an average of 30

Some of the questions will require that you look up

minutes, including time for reviewing instructions,

school records, so you may wish to arrange for the

and completing and reviewing the collection

assistance of another staff member to help provide

of information. An agency may not conduct or

this information.

sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a

Since TIMSS is an international study and all

collection of information unless it displays a currently

countries are using the same questionnaire, you may

valid OMB control number. Send comments

find that some of the questions seem unusual or are

regarding this burden estimate or any other

not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United

aspect of this collection of information, including

States. Nevertheless, it is important that you do your

suggestions for reducing burden, to: Stephen

best to answer all of the questions so comparisons

Provasnik, National Center for Education Statistics,

can be made across countries in the study.

U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street NW,

It is estimated that you will need approximately

Room 8123, Washington, DC 20006-5650. Do not

30 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We

return the completed form to this address.

appreciate the time and effort that this takes and
thank you for your cooperation and contribution.
Thank you.

TIMSS 2015
2

Grade 4 School Questionnaire

126

School Enrollment and Characteristics

1

5
What is the total enrollment of students in your
school as of March 1, 2015?

Approximately what percentage of students in your
school have English as their native language?
Fill in one circle only.

_____________ students

1
76 to 90% -- 2
51 to 75% -- 3
26 to 50% -- 4
25% or less -- 5

More than 90% --

Write in the number.

2
What is the total enrollment of fourth-grade
students in your school as of March 1, 2015?
_____________ students

6

Write in the number.

Of the students currently enrolled in your school,
what percentage has been identified as limitedEnglish proficient (LEP)/English language learners
(ELL)?

3
Approximately what percentage of students in your
school have the following backgrounds?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
0 to 10%
11 to 25%
26 to 50%
More than
50%

a) Come from economically
disadvantaged homes --------- 1

2 3 4

b) Come from economically
affluent homes ----------------- 1

2 3 4

Fill in one circle only.

1
1 - 5% -- 2
6 - 10% -- 3
11 - 25% -- 4
26 - 50% -- 5
51 - 75% -- 6
76 - 90% -- 7
Over 90% -- 8
0% --

4
Around the 1st of October 2014, what percentage
of students at this school were eligible to receive
free or reduced-price lunches through the National
School Lunch Program?
_____________ percentage of students
Write in the number.

Grade
4 School Questionnaire
127

3

7

9
What type of school is this?

Which best characterizes the average income level
of the school’s immediate area?

Fill in one circle only.

Regular public school - 1

Fill in one circle only.

1
Medium --- 2
Low --- 3

A regular public school with
a magnet program - 2

High ---

A magnet school or school with a special program
emphasis (e.g., Montessori, science/math school,
performing arts school, talented/gifted school,
foreign language immersion school) - 3
Special education: a school that primarily
serves students with disabilities - 4

10

Alternative: a school designed to address the
needs of students, typically at risk of educational
failure, which cannot be met in regular schools - 5

Does your school provide free meals for students?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

Vocational - 6

Yes, for all students

Charter School - 7

Yes, for some students

Private (independent) - 8

No

a) Breakfast ----------------------- 1

2 3
b) Lunch --------------------------- 1 2 3

Private (religiously affiliated) - 9
Other - 0

8
A. How many people live in the city, town, or area where
your school is located?
Fill in one circle only.

To what degree are the following health topics
emphasized in your school?

1
100,001 to 500,000 people -- 2
50,001 to 100,000 people -- 3
30,001 to 50,000 people -- 4
15,001 to 30,000 people -- 5
3,001 to 15,000 people -- 6
3,000 people or fewer -- 7
More than 500,000 people --

Fill in only one circle for each row.
Very high
High
Medium
Low

a) Washing hands ---------------- 1

2
b) Brushing teeth ----------------- 1 2
c) A healthy diet/nutrition ------- 1 2
d) Disease prevention ------------ 1 2

B. Which best describes the immediate area in which
your school is located?
Fill in one circle only.

Urban–Densely populated --

1

Suburban–On fringe or
outskirts of urban area --

2
Medium size city or large town -- 3
Small town or village -- 4
Remote rural -- 5
4

Grade 4 School Questionnaire

11

128

3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4

Instructional Time

12

14
For the fourth-grade students in your school:

A. How many days per year is your school open for
instruction?

As a general school policy, is student achievement
used to assign fourth-grade students to classes (e.g.,
streaming, tracking, setting)?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

__________ days

Yes

Write in the number.

No

1 2
b) For science classes-------------------------------- 1 2
a) For mathematics classes -------------------------

B. What is the total instructional time, excluding
breaks, in a typical day?
__________ hours ___________ minutes
Write in the number of hours and minutes per day.

C. In one calendar week, how many days is the school
open for instruction?
Fill in one circle only.

1
5 1/2 days -- 2
5 days -- 3
4 1/2 days -- 4
4 days -- 5
Other -- 6
6 days --

13
A. Does your school provide a place where students
can work on their schoolwork before or after
school?
Fill in one circle only.

1
No --- 2

Yes ---

(If No, go to question 14)

If Yes,
B. Is someone available to assist them with their
schoolwork?
Fill in one circle only.

1
No --- 2

Yes ---

Grade
4 School Questionnaire
129

5

Resources and Technology

17

15

Does your school have a school library?

How many computers (including tablets) does your
school have for use by fourth-grade students?

Fill in one circle only.

1
No -- 2

Yes --

___________ computers
Write in the number.

(If No, go to question 18)

16

If Yes,

A. Does your school have a science laboratory that
can be used by fourth-grade students?

A. Approximately how many books (print and digital)
with different titles does your school library have
(exclude magazines and periodicals)?

Fill in one circle only.

1
No -- 2

Yes --

Fill in only one circle in each column.
Print

B. Do teachers usually have assistance available when
students are conducting science experiments?

250 or fewer --- 1
251–500 --- 2

Fill in one circle only.

501–2,000 --- 3

1
No --- 2

Yes ---

2,001–5,000 --- 4
5,001–10,000 --- 5
More than 10,000 --- 6

Digital

1
2
3
4
5
6

B. Approximately how many titles of magazines and
other periodicals (print and digital) does your
school library have?
Fill in only one circle in each column.
Print

0 --- 1
1–5 --- 2
6–10 --- 3
11–30 --- 4
31 or more --- 5

6

Grade 4 School Questionnaire

130

Digital

1
2
3
4
5

18
How much is your school’s capacity to provide instruction affected by a shortage or inadequacy
of the following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Not at all

Not at all

A little

A little
Some

Some
A lot

A. General School Resources

A lot

B. Resources for Mathematics
Instruction

a) Instructional materials (e.g.,
textbooks) --------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Supplies (e.g., papers,
pencils, materials) ------------- 1

a) Teachers with a specialization
in mathematics ---------------- 1

2 3 4

2 3 4

c) School buildings and
grounds ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

b) Computer software/
applications for
mathematics instruction ------ 1

2 3 4

d) Heating/cooling and lighting
systems ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

c) Library resources relevant
to mathematics instruction --- 1

2 3 4

e) Instructional space (e.g.,
classrooms) -------------------- 1

2 3 4

d) Calculators for mathematics
instruction --------------------- 1

2 3 4

f) Technologically competent
staff ---------------------------- 1

2 3 4

e) Concrete objects or materials
to help students understand
quantities or procedures ------ 1

2 3 4

g) Audio-visual resources
for delivery of instruction
(e.g., interactive white
boards, digital projectors) ----- 1

C. Resources for Science
Instruction

2 3 4

a) Teachers with a
specialization in science ------- 1

2 3 4
2 3 4

h) Computer technology for
teaching and learning
(e.g., computers or tablets
for student use) ---------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Computer software/
applications for
science instruction ------------- 1

i) Resources for students with
disabilities ---------------------- 1

2 3 4

c) Library resources relevant
to science instruction ---------- 1

2 3 4

d) Science equipment and
materials for experiments ----- 1

2 3 4

Grade
4 School Questionnaire
131

7

School Emphasis
on Academic Success

School Discipline
and Safety

19

20
To what degree is each of the following a problem
among fourth-grade students in your school?

How would you characterize each of the following
within your school?

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Not a problem

Very high

Minor problem

High

Moderate problem

Medium

Serious
problem

Low
Very
low

a) Teachers’ understanding of
the school’s curricular goals --- 1

2 3 4 5

b) Teachers’ degree of
success in implementing
the school’s curriculum -------- 1

2 3 4 5

c) Teachers’ expectations
for student achievement ------ 1

2 3 4 5

d) Teachers working together
to improve student
achievement ------------------- 1

2 3 4 5

e) Teachers’ ability to
inspire students ---------------- 1

2 3 4 5

f) Parental involvement
in school activities ------------- 1

2 3 4 5

g) Parental commitment to
ensure that students are
ready to learn ------------------ 1

2 3 4 5

h) Parental expectations for
student achievement ---------- 1

2 3 4 5

i) Parental support for
student achievement ---------- 1
j) Parental pressure for the
school to maintain high
academic standards ----------- 1
k) Students’ desire to do
well in school ------------------ 1

8

a) Arriving late at school --------- 1
b) Absenteeism (i.e.,
unjustified absences) ---------- 1

2 3 4

g) Theft --------------------------- 1

2
2
2
2
2
2

h) Intimidation or verbal abuse
among students (including
texting, emailing, etc.) -------- 1

2 3 4

i) Physical fights among
students ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

j) Intimidation or verbal abuse
of teachers or staff (including
texting, emailing, etc.) -------- 1

2 3 4

c) Classroom disturbance -------- 1
d) Cheating ----------------------- 1
e) Profanity ----------------------- 1
f) Vandalism ---------------------- 1

3
3
3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4
4
4

21
To what degree is each of the following a problem
among teachers in your school?

2 3 4 5

Fill in only one circle for each row.
Not a problem

2 3 4 5

Minor problem
Moderate problem

2 3 4 5

l) Students’ ability to reach
school’s academic goals ------- 1

2 3 4 5

m) Students’ respect for
classmates who excel
in school ----------------------- 1

2 3 4 5

Grade 4 School Questionnaire

Serious
problem

a) Arriving late or leaving early -- 1

2 3 4
b) Absenteeism ------------------- 1 2 3 4

132

School Readiness

Teachers in Your School

22

23
In your school, are any of the following used to
evaluate the practice of fourth-grade teachers?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

About how many of the students in your school can
do the following when they begin the first grade of
primary/elementary school?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

Yes

Less than 25%

No

a) Observations by the
principal or senior staff -------------------------b) Observations by inspectors
or other persons external
to the school -------------------------------------

25–50%

1 2

1 2
c) Student achievement --------------------------- 1 2
d) Teacher peer review ----------------------------- 1 2

51–75%
More than
75%

a) Recognize most of the
letters of the alphabet --------- 1

f) Count up to 100 or higher ----- 1

2
2
2
2
2
2

g) Recognize written numbers
from 1-10 ---------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Read some words -------------- 1
c) Read sentences ---------------- 1
d) Write letters of the alphabet -- 1
e) Write some words ------------- 1

h) Recognize written numbers
higher than 10 ----------------- 1

2
i) Write numbers from 1-10 ----- 1 2
j) Do simple addition ------------ 1 2
k) Do simple subtraction --------- 1 2

Grade
4 School Questionnaire
133

3
3
3
3
3
3

3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4
4
4

4
4
4
4

9

Principal Experience and Education

24

26
By the end of this school year, how many years
altogether will you have been a principal?

What is the highest level of formal education you
have completed?
Fill in one circle only.

_____________ years
Please round to the nearest whole number.

Did not complete Bachelor's degree
(4-year college program) ---

1

Bachelor’s degree
(4-year college program) ---

2

Master’s degree or professional degree
(MD, DDS, lawyer, minister) ---

3
Doctorate (Ph.D., or Ed.D.) --- 4

25
By the end of this school year, how many years will
you have been a principal at this school?

27
Do you hold the following degrees in educational
leadership?

_____________ years
Please round to the nearest whole number.

Fill in only one circle for each row.
Yes
No

a) Master’s degree or professional degree
(MD, DDS, lawyer, minister) --------------------- 1
b) Doctorate (Ph.D., or Ed.D.) ----------------------- 1

10

Grade 4 School Questionnaire

134

2
2

Thank You
Thank you for the thought, time, and effort you have
put into completing this questionnaire.

Grade
4 School Questionnaire
135

11

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

School
Questionnaire
Grade 4

© IEA, 2014
International Association
for the Evaluation of
Educational Achievement

timss.bc.edu
136

Identification
Label
Place
Label Here
School ID ____ ____ ____ ____
Checksum ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

School
Questionnaire
Grade 8
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education
1990 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20006-5650

© IEA, 2014

U.S. participation in this study is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education, and authorized by the Education Sciences Reform
Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C., § 9543). Your responses are protected by federal statute (20 U.S.C., § 9573) and may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in
identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control
number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0695. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated
to average 30 minutes per respondent, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the
information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s), suggestions for improving the form, or comments or concerns
regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), National Center for
137 D.C. 20006.
Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., Washington,
OMB No. 1850-0695, Approval Expires 9/30/2017.
869864

Printed in the USA by Pearson

ISD10750

School Questionnaire
Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS 2015

NCES is authorized to collect information from

(Trends in International Mathematics and Science

the questionnaire under the Education Science

Study), an educational research project sponsored

Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002), 20 U.S. Code, §

by the International Association for the Evaluation of

9543. You do not have to provide the information

Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures trends

requested. However, the information you provide

in student achievement in mathematics and science

will help the U.S. Department of Education’s ongoing

and studies differences in national education systems

efforts to understand better how the educational

in almost 60 countries in order to help improve

system in the United States compares to that in

teaching and learning worldwide.

other countries. There are no penalties should you

This questionnaire is addressed to school principals

choose not to participate in this study. Your answers

and department heads who are asked to supply

may be used only for statistical purposes and may

information about their schools. Since your school has

not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for

been selected as part of a nationwide sample, your

any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.

responses are very important in helping to describe

Code, § 9573). Your response will be combined with

eighth-grade education in the United States.

those from other participants to produce summary
statistics and reports.

It is important that you answer each question

This survey is estimated to take an average of 30

carefully so that the information provided reflects
the situation in your school as accurately as possible.

minutes, including time for reviewing instructions,

Some of the questions will require that you look up

and completing and reviewing the collection

school records, so you may wish to arrange for the

of information. An agency may not conduct or

assistance of another staff member to help provide

sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a

this information.

collection of information unless it displays a currently
valid OMB control number. Send comments

Since TIMSS is an international study and all
countries are using the same questionnaire, you may

regarding this burden estimate or any other

find that some of the questions seem unusual or are

aspect of this collection of information, including

not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United

suggestions for reducing burden, to: Stephen

States. Nevertheless, it is important that you do your

Provasnik, National Center for Education Statistics,

best to answer all of the questions so comparisons can

U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street NW,

be made across countries in the study.

Room 8123, Washington, DC 20006-5650. Do not

It is estimated that you will need approximately 30

return the completed form to this address.

minutes to complete this questionnaire. We appreciate
the time and effort that this takes and thank you for
Thank you.

your cooperation and contribution.
When you have completed the questionnaire,
please place it in the accompanying envelope and
return it to the TIMSS school coordinator.

TIMSS 2015
2

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

138

School Enrollment and Characteristics

1

5
What is the total enrollment of students in your
school as of March 1, 2015?

Approximately what percentage of students in your
school have English as their native language?
Fill in one circle only.

_____________ students

1
76 to 90% --- 2
51 to 75% --- 3
26 to 50% --- 4
25% or less --- 5

More than 90% ---

Write in the number.

2
What is the total enrollment of eighth-grade
students in your school as of March 1, 2015?

6

_____________ students
Write in the number.

Of the students currently enrolled in your school,
what percentage has been identified as limitedEnglish proficient (LEP)/English language learners
(ELL)?

3

Fill in one circle only.

Approximately what percentage of students in your
school have the following backgrounds?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
0 to 10%
11 to 25%
26 to 50%
More than
50%

a) Come from economically
disadvantaged homes --------- 1

2 3 4

b) Come from economically
affluent homes ---------------- 1

2 3 4

1
1 - 5% -- 2
6 - 10% -- 3
11 - 25% -- 4
26 - 50% -- 5
51 - 75% -- 6
76 - 90% -- 7
Over 90% -- 8
0% --

4
Around the 1st of October 2014, what percentage
of students at this school were eligible to receive
free or reduced-price lunches through the National
School Lunch Program?
_____________ percentage of students
Write in the number.

Grade
8 School Questionnaire
139

3

7

9
What type of school is this?

Which best characterizes the average income level
of the school’s immediate area?

Fill in one circle only.

Regular public school - 1

Fill in one circle only.

1
Medium --- 2
Low --- 3

A regular public school with
a magnet program - 2

High ---

A magnet school or school with a special program
emphasis (e.g., Montessori, science/math school,
performing arts school, talented/gifted school,
foreign language immersion school) - 3

10

Special education: a school that primarily
serves students with disabilities - 4

Does your school provide free meals for students?

Alternative: a school designed to address the
needs of students, typically at risk of educational
failure, which cannot be met in regular schools - 5

Fill in only one circle for each row.
Yes, for all students

Vocational - 6

Yes, for some students
No

Charter School - 7

a) Breakfast ----------------------- 1

2 3
b) Lunch --------------------------- 1 2 3

Private (independent) - 8
Private (religiously affiliated) - 9
Other - 0

8
A. How many people live in the city, town, or area
where your school is located?
Fill in one circle only.

1
100,001 to 500,000 people --- 2
50,001 to 100,000 people --- 3
30,001 to 50,000 people --- 4
15,001 to 30,000 people --- 5
3,001 to 15,000 people --- 6
3,000 people or fewer --- 7
More than 500,000 people ---

B. Which best describes the immediate area in which
your school is located?
Fill in one circle only.

Urban–Densely populated ---

1

Suburban–On fringe or
outskirts of urban area ---

2
Medium size city or large town --- 3
Small town or village --- 4
Remote rural --- 5
4

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

140

Instructional Time

11

13
For the eighth-grade students in your school:

A. How many days per year is your school open for
instruction?

As a general school policy, is student achievement
used to assign eighth-grade students to classes
(e.g., streaming, tracking, setting)?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

__________ days

Yes

Write in the number.

No

1 2
b) For science classes-------------------------------- 1 2
a) For mathematics classes -------------------------

B. What is the total instructional time, excluding
breaks, in a typical day?
__________ hours ___________ minutes
Write in the number of hours and minutes per day.

C. In one calendar week, how many days is the school
open for instruction?
Fill in one circle only.

1
5 1/2 days --- 2
5 days --- 3
4 1/2 days --- 4
4 days --- 5
Other --- 6
6 days ---

12
A. Does your school provide a place where students
can work on their schoolwork before or after
school?
Fill in one circle only.

1
No --- 2

Yes ---

(If No, go to question 13)

If Yes,
B. Is someone available to assist them with their
schoolwork?
Fill in one circle only.

1
No --- 2

Yes ---

Grade
8 School Questionnaire
141

5

Resources and Technology

14

16
How many computers (including tablets) does your
school have for use by eighth-grade students?

Does your school have a school library?
Fill in one circle only.

1
No --- 2

Yes ---

___________ computers
Write in the number.

(If No, go to question 17)

If Yes,

15

A. Approximately how many books (print and digital)
with different titles does your school library have
(exclude magazines and periodicals)?

A. Does your school have a science laboratory that
can be used by eighth-grade students?

Fill in only one circle in each column.

Fill in one circle only.

1
No --- 2

Print

Yes ---

250 or fewer --- 1
251–500 --- 2

B. Do teachers usually have assistance available when
students are conducting science experiments?

501–2,000 --- 3
2,001–5,000 --- 4

Fill in one circle only.

1
No --- 2

5,001–10,000 --- 5

Yes ---

More than 10,000 --- 6

Digital

1
2
3
4
5
6

B. Approximately how many titles of magazines and
other periodicals (print and digital) does your
school library have?
Fill in only one circle in each column.
Print

0 --- 1
1–5 --- 2
6–10 --- 3
11–30 --- 4
31 or more --- 5

6

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

142

Digital

1
2
3
4
5

17
How much is your school’s capacity to provide instruction affected by a shortage or inadequacy
of the following?
Fill in only one circle for each row.

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Not at all

Not at all

A little

A little
Some

Some
A lot

A. General School Resources

A lot

B. Resources for Mathematics
Instruction

a) Instructional materials (e.g.,
textbooks) --------------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Supplies (e.g., papers,
pencils, materials) ------------- 1

a) Teachers with a specialization
in mathematics ---------------- 1

2 3 4

2 3 4

c) School buildings and
grounds ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

b) Computer software/
applications for
mathematics instruction ------ 1

2 3 4

d) Heating/cooling and lighting
systems ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

c) Library resources relevant
to mathematics instruction --- 1

2 3 4

e) Instructional space (e.g.,
classrooms) -------------------- 1

2 3 4

d) Calculators for mathematics
instruction --------------------- 1

2 3 4

f) Technologically competent
staff ---------------------------- 1

2 3 4

e) Concrete objects or materials
to help students understand
quantities or procedures ------ 1

2 3 4

g) Audio-visual resources
for delivery of instruction
(e.g., interactive white
boards, digital projectors) ----- 1

C. Resources for Science
Instruction

2 3 4

a) Teachers with a
specialization in science ------- 1

2 3 4
2 3 4

h) Computer technology for
teaching and learning
(e.g., computers or tablets
for student use) ---------------- 1

2 3 4

b) Computer software/
applications for
science instruction ------------- 1

i) Resources for students with
disabilities ---------------------- 1

2 3 4

c) Library resources relevant
to science instruction ---------- 1

2 3 4

d) Calculators for science
instruction --------------------- 1

2 3 4

e) Science equipment and
materials for experiments ----- 1

2 3 4

Grade
8 School Questionnaire
143

7

School Emphasis
on Academic Success

School Discipline and Safety

18

19
How would you characterize each of the following
within your school?

To what degree is each of the following a problem
among eighth-grade students in your school?

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Very high

Not a problem

High

Minor problem
Medium

Moderate problem
Low
Very
low

a) Teachers’ understanding of
the school’s curricular goals --- 1

a) Arriving late at school --------- 1
b) Absenteeism (i.e.,
unjustified absences) ---------- 1

2 3 4 5

2 3 4

2 3 4 5

g) Theft --------------------------- 1

2
2
2
2
2
2

e) Teachers’ ability to
inspire students ---------------- 1

2 3 4 5

h) Intimidation or verbal abuse
among students (including
texting, emailing, etc.) -------- 1

2 3 4

f) Parental involvement
in school activities ------------- 1

2 3 4 5

i) Physical injury to other
students ------------------------ 1

2 3 4

g) Parental commitment to
ensure that students are
ready to learn ------------------ 1

2 3 4 5

j) Intimidation or verbal abuse
of teachers or staff (including
texting, emailing, etc.) -------- 1

2 3 4

h) Parental expectations for
student achievement ---------- 1

2 3 4 5

k) Physical injury to teachers
or staff ------------------------- 1

2 3 4

i) Parental support for
student achievement ---------- 1

2 3 4 5

j) Parental pressure for the
school to maintain high
academic standards ----------- 1

2 3 4 5

k) Students’ desire to do
well in school ------------------ 1

2 3 4 5

l) Students’ ability to reach
school’s academic goals ------- 1

2 3 4 5

m) Students’ respect for
classmates who excel
in school ----------------------- 1

2 3 4 5

b) Teachers’ degree of
success in implementing
the school’s curriculum -------- 1

2 3 4 5

c) Teachers’ expectations
for student achievement ------ 1

2 3 4 5

d) Teachers working together
to improve student
achievement ------------------- 1

8

Serious
problem

c) Classroom disturbance -------- 1
d) Cheating ----------------------- 1
e) Profanity ----------------------- 1
f) Vandalism ---------------------- 1

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

144

3
3
3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4
4
4

Teachers in Your School

20

22
In your school, are any of the following used to
evaluate the practice of eighth-grade mathematics
teachers?

How difficult was it to fill eighth-grade teaching
vacancies for this school year for the following
subjects?

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Yes

Were no vacancies in this subject
No

a) Observations by the
principal or senior staff --------------------------

Easy to fill vacancies
Somewhat difficult

1 2

Very
difficult

a) Mathematics ------------------- 1

2 3 4
b) Science ------------------------- 1 2 3 4
c) Other --------------------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Observations by inspectors
or other persons external
to the school -------------------------------------

1 2
c) Student achievement --------------------------- 1 2
d) Teacher peer review ----------------------------- 1 2

23
Does your school currently use any incentives
(e.g., pay, housing, signing bonus, smaller classes)
to recruit or retain eighth-grade teachers in the
following fields?

21
In your school, are any of the following used to
evaluate the practice of eighth-grade science
teachers?

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Fill in only one circle for each row.

Yes

Yes

No
No

a) Observations by the
principal or senior staff -------------------------b) Observations by inspectors
or other persons external
to the school -------------------------------------

1 2
b) Science ------------------------------------------- 1 2
c) Other --------------------------------------------- 1 2
a) Mathematics -------------------------------------

1 2

1 2
c) Student achievement --------------------------- 1 2
d) Teacher peer review ----------------------------- 1 2

24
To what degree is each of the following a problem
among teachers in your school?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Not a problem
Minor problem
Moderate problem
Serious
problem

a) Arriving late or leaving early -- 1

2 3 4
b) Absenteeism ------------------- 1 2 3 4

Grade
8 School Questionnaire
145

9

Principal Experience
and Education

25

27
By the end of this school year, how many years
altogether will you have been a principal?

What is the highest level of formal education you
have completed?
Fill in one circle only.

_____________ years

Did not complete Bachelor’s degree
(4-year college program) --- 1

Please round to the nearest whole number.

Bachelor’s degree
(4-year college program) --- 2

26

Master’s degree or professional degree
(MD, DDS, lawyer, minister) --- 3

By the end of this school year, how many years will
you have been a principal at this school?

Doctorate (Ph.D., or Ed.D.) --- 4

_____________ years

28

Please round to the nearest whole number.

Do you hold the following degrees in educational
leadership?
Fill in only one circle for each row.
Yes
No

a) Master’s degree or professional degree
(MD, DDS, lawyer, minister) --------------------- 1
b) Doctorate (Ph.D., or Ed.D.) ----------------------- 1

10

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

146

2
2

Thank You
Thank you for the thought, time, and effort you have
put into completing this questionnaire.

Grade
8 School Questionnaire
147

11

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

School
Questionnaire
Grade 8

© IEA, 2014
International Association
for the Evaluation of
Educational Achievement

timss.bc.edu
148