The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the Progress in International
Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) are international studies directed by the IEA (International Association
for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement), an independent international cooperative of
national research institutions and government agencies that has been conducting studies of crossnational
achievement in a wide range of subjects since 1959. In Australia, TIMSS and PIRLS are
implemented by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), which is Australia’s
representative to the IEA. In Australia, TIMSS is part of the National Assessment Program.
TIMSS has been conducted at Year 4 and Year 8 on a four-year cycle since 1995 and PIRLS at Year 4
on a five-year cycle since 2001. In 2011, the cycles for TIMSS and PIRLS coincided for the first time
and participating countries were offered an unprecedented opportunity to conduct both TIMSS and
PIRLS with their Year 4 students. Australia was one of a group of countries that chose to have the
same sample of Year 4 students participate in TIMSS and PIRLS, thus obtaining results for students in
reading, mathematics and science. As in previous cycles, Australia also participated in TIMSS at Year 8.
Australia has participated in TIMSS since its inception, providing rich data about trends in
mathematics and science achievement over 16 years. This is the first time that Australia has
participated in PIRLS, or indeed any international study of reading achievement at this level.
To inform educational policy in the participating countries, these world-wide assessment and
research projects also routinely collect extensive background information that address concerns
about the quantity, quality, and content of instruction.
The internationally standard Student Questionnaire sought information on students and their
family background, aspects of learning and instruction in mathematics, science and reading (Year
4) and contexts of instruction.