Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 1999

TIMSS 1999 was the second assessment in the series of IEA studies to measure trends in students' mathematics and science achievement. TIMSS 1999 was conducted by the TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center at Boston College and included 38 countries. The 1999 assessment measured the mathematics and science achievement of eighth-grade students (ages 13 and 14 years) and collected extensive information from students, teachers, and school principals about mathematics and science curricula, instruction, home contexts, and school characteristics and policies. Of the 38 participating countries, 26 also participated in the 1995 TIMSS assessment, which enabled these countries to measure trends in their children's mathematics and science achievement and in schools and home contexts for learning.

The TIMSS 1999 Benchmarking Study included 13 states and 14 districts or consortia of districts from all across the United States. The TIMSS 1999 assessments were administered to representative samples of eighth-grade students in the districts and states in the spring of 1999, at the same time and following the same guidelines as those established for the 38 participating countries. In addition to testing achievement in mathematics and science, the TIMSS 1999 Benchmarking Study collected extensive information from students, teachers, and school principals about mathematics and science curricula, instruction, home contexts, and school characteristics and policies.