WHAT:           The Asia-Pacific Mathematics and Science Education Collaborative in DePaul University’s School of Education will host a colloquium to discuss the science findings of TIMSS 2007 (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), which was released in December. The colloquium hopes to look beyond where the United States stands in the international “horse race” and changes in TIMSS assessment scores, and address TIMSS findings that are relevant to teachers, teacher educators and community leaders.  

TIMSS 2007 is an internationally comparative assessment dedicated to improving teaching and learning in mathematics and science for students around the world. Carried out every four years at the fourth and eighth grades, TIMSS provides data about trends in mathematics and science achievement over time.

WHO:      Speakers include Steven Rogg, associate professor of science education at DePaul and associate director of science for the Asia-Pacific Mathematics and Science Education Collaborative; Akihiko Takahashi, associate professor in DePaul’s School of Education and director of the Asia-Pacific Mathematics and Science Education Collaborative; and Thomas McDougal, associate director of mathematics for the Asia-Pacific Mathematics and Science Education Collaborative, who previously taught high school math and worked as an elementary math coordinator for the Chicago Public Schools.

WHEN:         Saturday, Feb. 28, 9 to 11 a.m.

WHERE:       DePaul University’s Asia-Pacific Mathematics and Science Collaborative

                      2400 N. Sheffield Ave., Suite 100

                      Chicago, Ill.

BACKGROUND:      When the TIMSS 2007 results were released in December 2008, media coverage focused almost exclusively on the ranking of United States’ students compared to all countries tested, and trends in test scores over time. This colloquium will focus discussion on science results from TIMSS and implications for science curriculum, instruction and professional development. It will look beyond the rankings and trends in test scores and point out some striking results of special interest to the Chicago region.

This colloquium will study and discuss science results of TIMSS 2007 of most importance to teachers and educational leaders, in the areas of curriculum, schools, teachers and their preparation, classroom activities and characteristics, and students.

 
The speakers will also examine how international comparative data reveals particular strengths and weaknesses in the educational practice of science education in the United States, the Chicago area, and in the schools.