Government of Alberta News Release
For release at 11 a.m.
February 24, 1998
"The quality of Alberta's education system is demonstrated by international studies of achievement and the excellent results achieved by our students."
Gary G. Mar
Minister of Education
GOOD MARKS FOR GRADE 12 STUDENTS ON INTERNATIONAL STUDY
In the largest comparative international study of achievement to date, the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), Alberta students achieved the third highest score in science literacy and the fifth highest score in mathematics literacy, compared to students in the 24 countries and provinces taking part in the study.
The Alberta results were comparable with other students from Canada and significantly higher than the results of students in the United States.
"Once again, Alberta students have demonstrated high achievement," said Gary Mar. "The students who participated in this study are now young adults pursuing their futures. They should be very proud of their international results."
It is important to note the following scores do not represent percentages; rather, these are scale scores that are set at an average of 50 over all participating countries. Student results are shown in relation to this average.
Science Literacy
Alberta's grade 12 students tied Norway for the third highest
score of 54. Sweden and the Netherlands came first with a score
of 56 and Iceland came second highest at 55.
(See accompanying chart.)
Physics
Alberta students had the sixth highest score at 50. Norway had
the highest score at 58 and Sweden the second highest at 57. (See
accompanying chart.)
Math Literacy
Alberta's grade 12 students tied with France, Australia, New Zealand,
Ontario and Austria with the fifth highest score, all at 52. (See
accompanying chart.)
Advanced Math
Alberta students tied for the second highest score with students
in Switzerland, Russia, Ontario and Australia, with a scale score
of 53. France had the highest score of 56. (See accompanying chart.)
The grade 12 results are the third in a series of three. In a comparison of all the TIMSS tests, Alberta has the strongest performance of all the G8 trading partners. Students from Alberta achieved significantly higher than the international mean on all the tests except physics.
Some results were close to the highest in the world. Results for grade 4 science and mathematics were released in June 1997 and grade 8 results were released in November 1996. (See accompanying chart.)
About 95,000 students from 6,400 schools participated in the study. Strict guidelines ensure students tested were representative of each country. In Alberta, a total of 1,533 students from 49 schools were tested in the spring of 1995. Participating students were in their last year of secondary school.
Study results will provide baseline data for measuring the effectiveness of secondary programs in math and the sciences.
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For more information contact:
Jim Brackenbury - Student Evaluation, Alberta Education - (403) 427-0010
Beryl Cullum - Communications, Alberta Education - (403) 427-2285
For toll-free connection outside Edmonton, dial 310-0000.
Backgrounder
Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) - Grade 12
- TIMSS was conducted under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA).
- The study, which took place between 1994 and 1996, tested students aged 9 and 13 and those in their final year of secondary education. In most countries these students are in grades 3 and 4, 7 and 8, and 12.
- The study used questionnaires to collect background information from participating students and schools.
- The grade 12 study had three components: mathematics and science literacy, advanced mathematics, and physics. Each test booklet was designed for a testing time of 90 minutes and included multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions.
- Twenty-four countries took part in one or more components of the grade 12 study. Four Canadian provinces had large enough samples for comparisons at a provincial level.
- In Alberta, samples of students were drawn as follows:
- mathematics and science literacy - all grade 12 students
- advanced mathematics - students in Mathematics 31 (this course leads to university calculus. Enrolment is comparatively small, with high achievement levels)
- physics - students in Physics 30 (also a small-enrolment course, with high achievement)
- The inclusion of mathematics and science literacy is a unique feature of the Grade 12 study. It refers to the mathematics and science learning that students have retained and can apply, regardless of whether they are currently studying the courses or not. Many countries view this as a critical aspect of literacy.
- Many countries are concerned about students' ability to function effectively in work settings and in their lives overall, in view of the increasing importance of science and technology in the world.
- Questions used to assess this component focus on knowledge of concepts, not on specific knowledge or problem solving skills that are part of the curriculum in a particular math or science course.
- A total of 1533 Alberta students from 49 schools participated. Across countries, a total of approximately 95 000 students from approximately 6400 schools participated.
- The tests reflect international expert input and have been endorsed by all participating countries.
- 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.
February 24, 1998
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