International Surveys and Assessments

Download the international assessment informational brochure and learn about PIAAC, PIRLS, PISA, and TIMSS, how they compare with one another, and which countries participate. (488KB)

	Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) provides reliable and timely data on the mathematics and science achievement of U.S. 4th- and 8th-grade students compared to that of students in other countries. TIMSS data have been collected in 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007. The next TIMSS assessment will be administered in 2011.
	Progress in International Reading Study (PIRLS) The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) is an international comparative study of the reading literacy of young students. PIRLS measures the reading achievement and reading behaviors and attitudes of fourth-grade students in the United States and students in the equivalent of fourth grade in other participating countries. PIRLS data have been collected in 2001 and 2006. The next PIRLS assessment will be administered in 2011.
	Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) assesses the reading literacy, mathematics literacy, and science literacy of 15-year-olds in countries around the world. PISA also includes measures of general or cross-curricular competencies, such as problem solving. PISA data have been collected in 2000, 2003, and 2006. The next PISA assessment is being administered in 2009.
	Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies The Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) will measure the literacy and numeracy skills of people between the ages of 16 and 65. It also will also examine how well people solve problems in technology-rich environments. The first administration of PIAAC will be in 2011.
	Adult Literacy and Lifeskills (ALL) The Adult Literacy and Lifeskills Survey (ALL) is an international comparative study conducted in 2003 to provide participating countries with information about the literacy and numeracy skills of their adult populations, ages 16 to 65 years old.
	Civic Education Study (CivEd) The Civic Education Study (CivEd), conducted in 1999, provides information on U.S. ninth-graders' knowledge of democratic practices and institutions and on how it compares with the knowledge of students in 27 other participating countries. In addition, CivEd provides data about U.S. ninth-grade students’ attitudes toward democracy, national identity, international relations, and social cohesion and diversity.

How do the International Assessments Compare with Each Other and with the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)?

NCES has prepared a series of papers comparing TIMSS, PISA, PIRLS and NAEP in terms of assessment purpose, content, target population, and results.

• Comparing TIMSS with NAEP and PISA in Mathematics and Science (2007) (281 KB)
• Comparing PIRLS and PISA with NAEP in Reading, Mathematics, and Science (2007) (231 KB)
• Comparing Mathematics Content in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), and Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2003 Assessments (May 2006) (1630 KB)
• A Comparison of the NAEP and PIRLS Fourth-Grade Reading Assessments (April 2003) (852 KB)
• A Comparison of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the Third International Mathematics and Science Study Repeat (TIMSS-R), and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) (June 2001) (1231 KB)