The trends in international mathematics and science study: measuring the health of our education system

Abstract

Over last two decades, South Africa has made significant progress in transforming the education system and improving access to schools. Unfortunately, significant challenges remain, with vast numbers of primary school learners not becoming sufficiently literate and numerate to reach their potential. Mathematics and science pose a particular challenge. Dr Vijay Reddy writes about the HSRC's contribution to the trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), a series of international assessments of the mathematics and science knowledge of students, globally.