International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA)
NFER is currently running elements of two IEA international surveys in England and Northern Ireland: TIMSS and PIRLS. In 2009-10 we also conducted ICCS.
Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is a worldwide research project which takes place every four years. It provides data about trends in mathematics and science achievement over time. NFER is the National Research Centre for TIMSS in England and Northern Ireland for the 2011 study which took place in the summer term. NFER was also part of the international consortium responsible for test development for TIMSS.
The Progress in Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) takes place every five years, comparing the reading attainment and attitudes to reading of 9- and 10-year-old children in over 60 countries worldwide (in 2011). NFER has administered all PIRLS surveys in the UK to date, and has been part of the international consortium responsible for test development for PIRLS.
The International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) involved nearly 40 countries worldwide, and was a once-in-a-decade opportunity to investigate young people’s awareness and views of the role of the citizen in local, national and international contexts. The survey took place in 2009, administered in England by NFER. NFER was also part of the international consortium responsible for questionnaire development and the organisation of the ICCS survey.
For more information on our international comparisons work, please contact: enquiries@nfer.ac.uk
