Pursuing Excellence: A Study of U.S. Twelfth-Grade Mathematics and Science211 Achievement in International Context (Revised)

摘要

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) was designed211u001eexplicitly to enhable educators and policy maker to compare achievement in 211u001escience and mathematics of students in the United States with those in other 211u001ecountries at three levels of education, grades 4, 8, and the final year of 211u001esecondary school (grade 12 in the U.S.). With the publication of the results of 211u001ethe 1995 assessment of the final year of secondary school, TIMSS has been 211u001esuccessful. In addition, differences in student learning and characteristics of 211u001eschooling, as measured by the TIMSS assessment instruments and questionnaires, 211u001eenhance our understanding of the possible influences of such factors as school 211u001eorganization, teaching practices, student study habits, and family background. 211u001eBut the secrets of raising the level of student achievement beyond their current 211u001elevels are not readily uncovered, and this study provides no easy answers or 211u001equick fixes.