SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

TIMSS: Minnesota students nearing the top in math and science

SciMathMN is responsible for conducting TIMSS analysis and communicating the results. Visit scimathmn.org for additinoal information and updates. Developing World Class Students through World Class Mathematics Standards: Do Minnesota’s Standards, Students, and Teaching Measure Up?

When it comes to math and science, Minnesota fourth- and eighth-graders aren’t the best in the world – but they’re getting close – according to preliminary analysis of the “Trends in International Math and Science Study” (TIMSS) report released December 9, 2008. In particular, Minnesota students showed remarkable improvement in math, since the last time Minnesota participated in TIMSS in 1995. “Minnesota students went from mediocre performance to sitting on the edge of world-class performance,” said Dr. Bill Schmidt, a professor of education and statistics at the University of Michigan.

Schmidt, who conducted the 1995 analysis, is again working with SciMathMN to analyze the results and share the lessons learned with educators, policymakers and the public. Since 1995, Minnesota established statewide standards and assessments. Schmidt said created a more coherent curriculum in math and prompted educators to increase time on task.

	1995	2007
Elementary Math	30 minutes per day	60 minutes per day
Eighth-grade Math	10% of year on algebra	50% of year on algebra

Schmidt said Minnesota set the benchmark by taking part in the 1995 TIMSS and that our performance in 2007 is showing the rest of the nation that we can compete with the best in the world by applying standards that are “focused, rigorous and coherent.” 

“We can be proud that Minnesota students performed well compared to students from many nations,” Education Commissioner Alice Seagren said. “The results of this international assessment confirm that we must continue with our efforts to increase academic rigor for students and professional development for educators in math and science.”

The Partnership pushed legislation in 2006 enabling Minnesota to participate as a “mini nation” in the 2007 TIMSS. Several members provided financial support for participating in the test and conducting the follow-up analysis. Those members include 3M, ADC, Best Buy, Cargill, GE Financial Solutions Fleet Services, General Mills, Medtronic, Target and Thompson Rueters.

Many other organizations have stepped up to help maximize Minnesota participation in TIMSS, including Minnesota High Tech Association, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Private College Council, Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, Minnesota Technical Education Association, Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Minnesota Science Teachers Association.