Use and Impact of TIMSS
The South African Department of Basic Education and researchers of mathematics and science education depend on TIMSS results to conceptualize the standard of mathematics and science education instruction during the General Education and Training Phase (Grades R to 9). This extends to qualitative examination of teacher education and the availability of resources that make these two critical subjects accessible to learners.
The response of government to low but improving achievement levels in cross-national and regional studies such as the SACMEQ and TIMSS studies has been to conduct regular national assessments at key stages. The systematic evaluations (SE) were conducted on a five-year cycle on random samples of public schools at Grade 3, 6, or 9, and the results were used to report on the policy goals of access, equity, and quality as indicators of the health of the education system. The ANA is based on a similar framework as the previously conducted SE, but targets a more diagnostic interpretation of learner achievement.26
The results of TIMSS Numeracy 2015 and TIMSS at Grade 9 will be used to affirm the trends observed in the systemic improvements of the numeracy and literacy skills of all learners.27