Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 1995

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is an international assessment of the mathematics and science knowledge of 9–10 and 13–14 year old (Year 5 and Year 9 or fourth grade and eighth grade) students around the world. TIMSS was developed by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) to allow participating nations to compare students' educational achievement across borders.

Initially called The Third International Mathematics and Science Study, the survey was first administered in 1995, and every 4 years thereafter. TIMSS 1995, was the largest and most ambitious international study of student achievement conducted up to that time. In 1994–95, it was conducted at five grade levels in more than 40 countries (the third, fourth, seventh, and eighth grades, and the final year of secondary school). Students were tested in mathematics and science and extensive information about the teaching and learning of mathematics and science was collected from students, teachers, and school principals. Altogether, TIMSS tested and gathered contextual data for more than half a million students and administered questionnaires to thousands of teachers and school principals.

Also, TIMSS investigated the mathematics and science curricula of the participating countries through an analysis of curriculum guides, textbooks, and other curricular materials. The TIMSS results were released in 1996 and 1997 in a series of reports, providing valuable information to policy makers and practitioners in the participating countries about mathematics and science instruction and the achievement of their students.