2015 TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) Advanced and Advanced Placement Alignment Study

• In Event: 46.087 - Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: 46.087-5 - STEM Matters: Curriculum, Instructional Practices, and Student Gains

Abstract

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) latest results showed U.S. fourth and eighth grade students lagging behind their peers academically. While research has shown U.S. student achievement scores decrease over time, we posit this achievement drop will not be seen in the scores of students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The current study presents a framework analysis of TIMSS Advanced Physics and Mathematics and AP Physics and AP Calculus to identify areas where there are gaps in the content covered by one assessment, relative to another and will illuminate any differences in the cognitive complexity required to correctly answer items. These findings then set the stage for a performance report comparing AP student performance on TIMSS Advanced.

Authors

• Tony DiGiacomo, College Board

• Ryan Grover, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Lee Jones, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

• Christopher Carmelo Lazzaro, College Board

• Kate Marino, The Pennsylvania State University

• David C. Webb, University of Colorado - Boulder