With this proposal, Michigan State University is requesting funds to support the U.S. National Center for the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). In addition, we are requesting support to conduct the United States curriculum analysis and to do the international data analysis. The TIMSS sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), will be the major international assessment activity during the 1990's. The interest which governments around the world have in assessing what is learned in school is a reflection of a global recognition that scientific literacy and economic productivity are inextricably linked, with mathematics at the forefront as the universal language of modern technology (Walberg, 1983). Assessment can play a critical part in the identification of needed reforms in education. Thus far, 40-50 countries around the world are committed to participate in TIMSS. The study will take place in 1993-94 and 1997-98. United States participation in TIMSS has been agreed to at least in general terms as conveyed by the U.S. IEA General Assembly Representative Gordon Ambach and as endorsed by the National Academy of Science Board for International Comparative Studies in Education, by the National Science Foundation, and the National Center for Education Statistics. The activities involve three major tasks outlined below: Administration and Supervision of U.S. Participation in TIMMS: This includes all of the administrative and coordination activities the National Center must perform to ensure that the U.S. participation in TIMSS is informed and shaped by the many contextual realities that affect U.S. mathematics and science education at all levels and is highly coordinated within the country. The breadth of this task will require a staff of professionals to coordinate this responsibility and the people involved. This task constitutes the major work for which this funding is being requested. Conduct of U.S. Curriculum Analysis for TIMSS: The National Center will undertake the U.S. curriculum analysis. This will be carried out in three phases: definition of the sampling frame with regard to the curricular materials in conjunction with the ICC, conduct of the analysis, and development of the U.S. report Conduct International Curriculum Data Analysis and Develop Report: This will involve the development of a complex data file and constructing of weights and procedures for analysis, detailed data analysis to be completed at Michigan State University and development and dissemination of extensive monograph contrasting countries with regard to science and mathematics curriculum.
