International Assessments

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) provides reliable and timely data on the mathematics and science achievement of U.S. fourth- and eighth-grade students compared to that of students in other countries and jurisdictions. http://nces.ed.gov/timss

The International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) is an international comparative study that uses an innovative, computer-based assessment to evaluate students’ computer and information literacy—their ability to use computers to investigate, create, and communicate in order to participate effectively at home, at school, in the workplace, and in the community. http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/icils/

The Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) is an international study of teachers, teaching, and learning environments. TALIS offers an opportunity for teachers and school principals to provide their perspectives on the state of education in their own countries, allowing for a global view of teachers and the education systems in which they work. TALIS is coordinated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and administered to teachers in grades 7, 8, and 9 in the US. http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/talis/

The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a system of international assessments that measures 15-year-old students’ reading, mathematics, and science literacy. PISA also includes measures of general or cross-curricular competencies, such as problem solving. PISA emphasizes functional skills that students have acquired as they near the end of compulsory schooling. http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pisa

The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) is an international assessment and research project designed to measure reading achievement at the fourth-grade level, as well as school and teacher practices related to instruction. Fourth-grade students complete a reading assessment and questionnaire that addresses students' attitudes toward reading and their reading habits. In addition, questionnaires are given to students' teachers and school principals to gather information about students' school experiences in developing reading literacy. Since 2001, PIRLS has been administered every 5 years, with the United States participating in all past assessments. PIRLS is sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) and conducted in the United States by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The last administration was in the fall of 2021.  http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pirls

For information about International Assessment Activities, please contact us at [email protected].