American seniors will once again test their advanced mathematics and physics prowess against that of students in other countries next spring, as the United States rejoins the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study’s advanced program for the first time in 20 years.
TIMSS Advanced is intended to gauge advanced math and science concepts critical for students planning to go on to science, technology, engineering, and math careers. U.S. students performed well below the international average on the 1995 math and science tests and skipped the last round in 2008.
The U.S. Department of Education cited the nation’s “current strong policy interest in preparedness for college” and for careers in the stem fields as the reasons for again participating in the exam.
