Sweden

Use and Impact of TIMSS

Sweden’s results in TIMSS and other international and national studies indicating declining student achievement have influenced the general school debate undeniably, and also had an impact on the extensive new school reforms that were introduced in 2011. The Technology Delegation is a concrete example of the impact of TIMSS. Although the project concluded in 2010, the Technology Delegation conducted outreach work, implemented a campaign, published background reports, organized conferences, and took an active role in the media and debates to promote greater interest in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology in Sweden.

Another example of the impact of TIMSS is the Math, Science, and Technology Initiative 2009–2011, which was initiated by the government to improve mathematics, technology, and science teaching, and to increase student achievement and interest in these subjects.

TIMSS results also contributed to the government decision in 2011 to extend the number of instruction hours in mathematics in Grades 1 to 3 by one hour per week (implemented in 2013).