Global TIMSS 2023 results demonstrate effectiveness of reforms in Türkiye's education system: Official

ANKARA

The results of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023 clearly show the effectiveness of reforms made in the education system in Türkiye, said an official from the Turkish Education Ministry (MEB).

Speaking to Anadolu, Kemal Bulbul, general director of Measurement, Assessment, and Examination Services at the ministry, said that they actively conduct monitoring and evaluation studies to assess the long-term impact of education policies and decisions on learning outcomes.

He highlighted the introduction of the "Ministry of National Education Measurement and Evaluation Regulation" in 2023 as part of these efforts.

Bulbul noted that results from monitoring studies initiated in 2015 are regularly reported and the ministry is currently conducting five monitoring studies, three national and two international studies, he added.

TIMSS is conducted every four years by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) to assess the mathematics and science performance of 4th and 8th-grade students.

Bulbul highlighted that the results of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), announced in 2023, recognized Türkiye as one of only four countries to show continuous improvement over a 20-year period, according to a report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

"According to the TIMSS results, Türkiye is one of five countries to demonstrate improvement in all fields across both grade levels," the official said.

TIMSS allows countries to track trends in mathematics and science education success and evaluate the impact of curriculum and teaching method changes, he added.

*Writing by Muhammed Enes Calli in Istanbul