Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study

Jay Vincent I. Quizon

THE Department of Education (DepEd), through the Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA), administered the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2019 Main Survey early this year, pursuant to DepEd Order No. 29, s. 2017 entitled Policy Guidelines on System Assessment in the K to 12 Basic Education Program.

The Philippines’participation in TIMSS 2019 will provide DepEd an additional tool to measure the effectiveness of the enhanced basic education curriculum and its delivery systems particularly in informing and supporting education policy decision making, identifying the areas of weaknesses in the educational system, using results as benchmarks to measure school effectiveness and determining alignment with international standards.

TIMSS 2019 is the seventh assessment cycle since 1995, and more than 60 countries have participated in this survey. It is conducted every four years and is sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) and measures trends in mathematics and science achievement. It aims to provide information that will assist countries to monitor and evaluate the success of their mathematics and science education across time and across grades.

The selection of participants applies TIMSS internationally-approved sampling standards to achieve a nationally representative sample of schools and pupils. The national sampling plan is a product of the collaboration between the TIMSS National Center, through the National Research Coordinator (NRC), and the TIMSS International Center.

In the Philippines, TIMSS was administered in 16 regions, 198 schools divisions and 181 schools using paper-based assessment. The Grade 4 assessment covers Content (Number, Algebra, Geometry, Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science) and Cognitive (Knowing, Applying, and Reasoning). The language of the test is English, and it consists of multiple-choice with variety of formats and constructed-response (open-ended questions).

The author is Teacher II at Pampanga High School.