EDUCATION INDICATORS: An International Perspective

Notes on Figures and Tables for Indicator 8

In some cases, countries limited assessments to particular geographic areas, language groups, or grade levels. A description of these limitations follows:

Canada

Age 9 includes 4 out of 10 provinces, age 13 includes 9 out of 10 provinces.

Israel

Hebrew-speaking schools.

Scotland and the United States

Combined school and student participation rate is below .80 but at least .70; interpret with caution because of possible nonresponse bias.

Soviet Union (former)

Fourteen out of 15 republics; Russian-speaking schools.

Spain

All regions except Cataluña; Spanish-speaking schools.

Switzerland

Fifteen out of 26 cantons.

Technical Notes

The International Assessment of Educational Progress (IAEP) surveyed the mathematics and science performance of 13-year-old students in 20 countries, and 9-year-old students in 14 countries during 1990 through 1991. See the Sources section of this publication for additional information on this study.

The mathematics assessment is based on five content areas typically taught in mathematics: (1) numbers and operations; (2) measurement, geometry; (3) data analysis; (4) statistics and probability; and (5) algebra and functions. The science assessment is based on four content areas typically taught in science: (1) life sciences, (2) physical sciences, (3) earth and space sciences, and (4) natural sciences.

Indicator 8 contains mean proficiency scores and standard errors for each population participating in the Second IAEP. Proficiency scores allow the comparison of average proficiency across age groups within and between countries. Mean proficiency scores and standard errors were obtained following a series of different statistical analyses: item parameters estimation using item response theory (IRT), vertical equating of 9- and 13-year-old scales, and plausible values technology for estimation of proficiency distributions.

For more detailed technical information regarding these statistical procedures, please refer to the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, The Condition of Education, 1994, p. 222.