This study offers curriculum developers, teachers, and science education researchers a fine-grained profile on strengths and weaknesses in specific science domains and topics. The study involved a representative sample of 3844 Norwegian pupils in grade 8. Their responses on 216 TIMSS items in 18 topics from 4 science domains were modelled in a…

Science schooling enjoys high status. Scientific capability is perceived as critical in underpinning economic success in advanced societies. Science achievement, at all levels, has become a global competition in which nations want to be seen to triumph. Governments periodically pay close attention to science education with a view to ensuring it…

This paper provides the current rationale and historical background for educational standards and discusses various meanings and interpretations attached to this term. It then provides a comparative analysis of these sets of publications that are seen as providing national standards for the American Association for the Advancement of Science…

Science teachers say that improving science education requires smaller classes, adequate resources, better staff development, and more teacher collaboration. Poor achievement on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study stems from watered-down curricula, teacher knowledge gaps, and student failures in "gate-keeping" courses.…

This paper provides an analysis of educational equity in science and mathematics and proposes a practical way to assess equity in systemic reform. A synthesis of major national and international studies as well as a comprehensive review of the literature is used to suggest a way to assess when educational systems, particularly those involved in…