Canada

Use and Impact of TIMSS

Canada first participated in TIMSS in 1995, and has participated in every TIMSS assessment since, with varying levels of jurisdictional involvement throughout the years. Five Canadian provinces participated in TIMSS 2015: Alberta (Grade 4 only, oversampled); Ontario and Quebec (as benchmarking participants); and Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador (as part of the Canadian sample). Canadian participation is coordinated by the Council of Ministers of Education (Canada).

Provinces that are benchmarking or oversampled receive their own jurisdiction’s TIMSS results. Those participating as part of the Canadian sample receive Canada’s TIMSS results. All participating provinces are able to use TIMSS data to identify and understand their students’ strengths and weaknesses in an international context compared to other participating countries and jurisdictions. In addition, TIMSS results can provide formal background information or confirm jurisdictional assessment results. For example, whenever a noticeable change is found in student performance on a provincial assessment, student achievement results on an international assessment can be used as an external measure to help confirm whether such a change is substantive or if the results may be attributed to any shift in provincial assessment standards and/or curricula.

TIMSS testing also supports the research objectives of ministries and departments of education across the country. TIMSS research data along with results from other assessments such as PCAP are used to identify opportunities, improve resources, and allow for professional learning and development in schools and education systems across Canada.