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Government of Alberta News Release

For release at 7 a.m.
June 11, 1997

"Once again, Alberta students are showing world-class results that are consistent with Alberta's high standards."

Gary G. Mar
Minister of Education

ALBERTA'S GRADE 4 STUDENTS PERFORM AMONG TOP IN THE WORLD

Alberta's grade 4 students outranked all other English speaking participants in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Alberta students achieved third in science and seventh in mathematics, compared to students in the 26 countries and provinces taking part in the study.

TIMSS is the largest comparative international study of achievement to date. Results show Alberta's grade 4 science students placed third with an overall achievement score of 68 per cent. Korea came first with a score of 74 per cent and Japan came second at 70 per cent. (See accompanying chart.)

In mathematics, Alberta's grade 4 students tied with students in Austria for seventh place, both scoring 65 per cent. This score places Alberta students in the top one-third of participating countries for mathematics. (See accompanying chart.)

"Congratulations to these young students, their parents and their teachers," said Gary Mar. "Not only did these students achieve the highest scores in Canada - their results are among the top in the world."

In Alberta, the TIMSS results showed no significant difference in overall math and science performance between male and female students.

About 175,000 students from 8,000 schools participated in the study at the grade 3 and 4 level. Strict guidelines ensure students tested were representative of each country and not its educational elite. In Alberta, a total of 2,017 students from 50 schools were tested in the spring of 1995. Half of the Alberta students were from grade 3 and half from grade 4.

Study results will provide baseline data for measuring the effectiveness of elementary programs in science and math. The math and science results released are the second in a series of three. Results for grade 8 science and math were released in November 1996. Grade 12 results will be ready for release in early 1998.

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For more information contact:

Jim Brackenbury - Student Evaluation, Alberta Education - (403) 422-4848

Beryl Cullum - Communications, Alberta Education - (403) 427-2285

For toll-free connection outside Edmonton (within Alberta), dial 310-0000.

Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) -
Grade 4

• Conducted under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement.
• Twenty six countries took part in the grade 3 and 4 study, held between 1994 and 1996. Five Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland) had large enough samples for comparisons at a provincial level.
• This part of the study tested and collected information on students aged 9 years. In most countries these students are in grades 3 and 4.
• The tests reflect international expert input and have been endorsed by all participating countries.
• Each grade 3 and 4 math and science test took one hour. All test materials were developed in English and translated by participants into 30 other languages.
• The tests included a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions.
• The science test covered four content areas: earth science; life science; physical science; and environmental issues and the nature of science.
• The math test covered six content areas: whole numbers; fractions and proportionality; measurement, estimation, and number sense; data representation, analysis, and probability; geometry; patterns, relations and functions.
• The study also collected data on instructional strategies, classroom activities, school characteristics, student attitudes and demographic characteristics.
• Students answered questions on attitudes towards math and science, parental expectations, and activities both in class and out of school.
• Teachers answered questions on their preparation, instructional practices, textbook use, and views on current issues in math and science education.
• School principals answered questions on school characteristics, resources, and course offerings.
• International studies such as TIMSS provide useful comparative data relative to countries around the world. The data helps Alberta Education to review Alberta's standards in an international context.

Grade 4 Student Performance in Science

Grade 4 Student Performance in Mathematics

Countries below the double line did not meet the sampling requirements.

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