The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2007) is the latest in a
series of international studies of mathematics and science, conducted under the aegis of the
International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA).
The goal of TIMSS is to provide comparative information about educational achievement across
countries to improve teaching and learning in mathematics and science. TIMSS measures trends
in mathematics and science achievement at Year 4 and Year 8, as well as monitoring the outcomes
of curricular implementation. Conducted on a regular four-year cycle, TIMSS has assessed
mathematics and science in 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007. In addition to monitoring trends in
achievement at Year 4 and Year 8, TIMSS provides information about relative progress across
years as the cohort of students assessed in Year 4 in one cycle moves to Year 8 four years later (e.g.
the Year 4 students of 2003 became the Year 8 students of 2007). Also, to provide comparative
perspectives on trends in achievement in the context of different educational systems, school
organisational approaches, and instructional practices, TIMSS collects a rich array of background
information.
This report analyses and interprets the Australian data collected as part of the TIMSS study.
Where appropriate, this report makes comparisons with the results of other countries and the
international average to better understand Australian achievement and its context.