The South African TIMSS 2019 grade 5 results: building achievement and bridging achievement gaps

Abstract

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) assesses mathematics and science knowledge of fourth and eighth grade learners around the world. South Africa, where learners were assessed at the fifth grade, participated in TIMSS 2015, assessing mathematics; and in TIMSS 2019, assessing both mathematics and science. Participation in TIMSS allows countries to evaluate their learners??? achievement and compare their national achievement with other countries, as well as to monitor the health of their education systems over time. In addition, the study allows the exploration of how various contextual factors are associated with mathematics and science achievement. In October 2018, we collected achievement and contextual data in 297 schools across the nine provinces from 11 891 learners and their parents or caregivers, school principals, and mathematics and science educators. The results of the TIMSS 2019 Grade 5 study are presented in this report.