The Trends in Maths and Science Study (TIMSS) released yesterday provides data on mathematics and science achievement of U.S. students compared to that of students in other countries.
The most recent TIMSS data collection was in 2015 and included students in grades 4 and 8. In TIMSS 2015, more than 60 countries and other education systems, including the United States, participated in TIMSS at grades 4 and 8.
The U.S. average scores in science and math at grades 4 and 8 were not measurably different since the last participation in 2011 and 1995, respectively.
In mathematics, the U.S. was among the top 20 education systems in Grade 4 and among the top 19 in Grade 8.
In science, the U.S. was among the top 15 education systems in Grade 4 and among the top 17 in Grade 8.
Click for further information about TIMSS 2015. Results from the 2015 TIMSS can be viewed on the Results page.
President Obama has articulated a clear priority for STEM education: within a decade, American students must “move from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math.”
Read the U.S. Department of Education’s Five-year STEM strategic plan here.