Final Versions of Field Test Questionnaires

School Questionnaire

Your school has agreed to participate in PIRLS 2011 (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study), an educational research project sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). PIRLS measures trends in student achievement in reading, and studies differences in national education systems in more than 50 countries in order to help improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to school principals and department heads who are asked to supply information about their schools. Since your school has been selected as part of a nationwide sample, your responses are very important in helping to describe elementary education in the United States.

It is important that you answer each question carefully so that the information provided reflects the situation in your school as accurately as possible. Some of the questions will require that you look up school records, so you may wish to arrange for the assistance of another staff member to help provide this information.

Since PIRLS is an international study and all countries are using the same questionnaire, you may find that some of the questions seem unusual or are not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United States.

Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to answer all of the questions so comparisons can be made across countries in the study. It is estimated that you will need approximately 30 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We appreciate the time and effort that this takes and thank you for your cooperation and contribution. When you have completed the questionnaire, please place it in the accompanying envelope and return it the PIRLS school coordinator.

Thank you.

PIRLS 2011

School Enrollment
and Characteristics

1

What is the total enrollment of students in your school as of March 1, 2010?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

2

What is the total enrollment of fourth-grade students in your school as of March 1, 2010?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

3

Approximately what percentage of students in your school have the following backgrounds?

Check one circle for each line.

0 to 10%

11 to 25%

26 to 50%

More than
50%

a) Come from economically
disadvantaged homes _{A A A A}

b) Come from economically
affluent homes _{A A A A}

4

Around the first of October 2010 what percentage of students at this school were eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program?

_________ percentage of students

5

A. Which best describes the immediate area in which your school is located?

Check one circle only.

Urban–Densely populated _A

Suburban–On fringe or
outskirts of urban area _A

Medium size city or large town _A

Small town or village _A

Remote rural _A

B. Which best characterizes the average income level of the school’s immediate area?

Check one circle only.

High _A

Medium _A

Low _A

6

What type of school is this?

Check one circle only.

1. Regular public elementary school _A

2. A regular public school with a magnet program _A

3. A magnet school or school with a special program emphasis

(e.g ., science/math school, performing arts school, talented/gifted school,

foreign language immersion school, etc.) _A

4. Special education: a school that primarily serves students with disabilities _A

5. Alternative: a school that offers a curriculum designed to provide alternative or

nontraditional education, not clearly categorized as regular or special education _A

7

1. Approximately what percentage of students in your school have English as their native language?

Check one circle only.

More than 90% _A

76 to 90% _A

51 to 75% _A

26 to 50% _A

25% or less _A

B. Of the students currently enrolled in your school, what percentage has been identified as limited-English proficient (LEP)/English language learners (ELL)?

Check one circle only.

0% _A

1 to 5% _A

6 to 10% _A

11 to 25% _A

26 to 50% _A

51 to 75% _A

76 to 90% _A

Over 90% _A

Instructional Time

Resources and Technology

8

For the fourth-grade students in your school:

A. How many days per year is your school open for instruction?

__________days

Write in the number.

B. What is the total instructional time, excluding breaks, in a typical day?

_________hours and __________minutes

Write in the number of hours and minutes.

C. In one calendar week, how many days is the school open for instruction?

Check one circle only.

6 days _A

5 1/2 days _A

5 days _A

4 1/2 days _A

4 days _A

Other _A

Please specify

9

What is the total number of computers that can be used for instructional purposes by fourth-grade students?

___________computers

Write in the number.

10

Does your school have a science laboratory that can be used by fourth-grade students?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

11

Does your school have a school library?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to #10)

If Yes,

A. Approximately how many books with different titles does your school library have (exclude magazines and periodicals)?

Check one circle only.

250 or fewer _A

251-500 _A

501-2,000 _A

2,001-5,000 _A

5,001-10,000 _A

More than 10,000 _A

B. Approximately how many titles of magazines and other periodicals does your school library have?

Check one circle only.

0 _A

1-5 _A

6-10 _A

11-30 _A

31 or more _A

12

How much is your school’s capacity to provide instruction affected by a shortage or inadequacy
of the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

A little

Some

A lot

A. General School Resources

a) Second language teachers _{A A A A}

b) Instructional materials (e.g.,
textbooks) _{A A A A}

c) Supplies (e.g., papers,
pencils) _{A A A A}

d) School buildings and
grounds _{A A A A}

e) Heating/cooling and lighting
systems _{A A A A}

f) Instructional space (e.g.,
classrooms) _{A A A A}

g) Technologically competent
staff _{A A A A}

h) Special equipment for
physically disabled students _{A A A A}

i) Computers for instruction _{A A A A}

B. Resources for Reading
Instruction

a) Teachers with a
specialization in reading _{A A A A}

b) Computer software for
reading instruction _{A A A A}

c) Library books _{A A A A}

d) Audio-visual resources for
reading instruction _{A A A A}

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

A little

Some

A lot

C. Resources for Mathematics
Instruction

a) Teachers with a specialization
in mathematics _{A A A A}

b) Computer software for
mathematics instruction _{A A A A}

c) Library materials relevant
to mathematics instruction _{A A A A}

d) Audio-visual resources for
mathematics instruction _{A A A A}

e) Calculators for mathematics
instruction _{A A A A}

D. Resources for Science
Instruction

a) Teachers with a
specialization in science _{A A A A}

b) Computer software for
science instruction _{A A A A}

c) Library materials relevant
to science instruction _{A A A A}

d) Audio-visual resources for
science instruction _{A A A A}

e) Science equipment and
materials _{A A A A}

Involving Parents in Your School

13

A. How often does your school do the following for parents concerning individual students?

Check one circle for each line.

Never

Once a year

2-3 times a year

More than 3 times a year

a) Inform parents about their
child’s learning progress _{A A A A}

b) Inform parents about the behavior and well-being of
their child at school _{A A A A}

c) Discuss parents’ concerns or wishes about their child’s
learning _{A A A A}

d) Support individual parents in helping their child with
schoolwork _{A A A A}

B. How often does your school ask parents to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Never

Once a year

2-3 times a year

More than 3 times a year

a) Ask parents to raise funds
for the school _{A A A A}

b) Ask parents to volunteer for school projects, programs,
and trips _{A A A A}

c) Ask parents to serve on
school committees _{A A A A}

C. How often does your school do the following for parents in general?

Check one circle for each line.

Never

Once a year

2-3 times a year

More than 3 times a year

a) Inform parents about the overall academic achievement
of the school (e.g., results of national tests, results of
inspections of learning) _{A A A A}

b) Inform parents about school accomplishments (e.g.,
tournament results, facility
improvements) _{A A A A}

c) Inform parents about the educational goals and
pedagogic principles of
the school _{A A A A}

d) Inform parents about the
rules of the school _{A A A A}

e) Discuss parents’ concerns or wishes about the school’s
organization (e.g., rules and regulations, time tables,
safety measures) _{A A A A}

f) Provide parents with additional learning materials
(e.g., books, computer software) for their child to
use at home _{A A A A}

g) Organize workshops or seminars for parents on
learning or pedagogical
issues _{A A A A}

School Climate

14

How would you characterize each of the following within your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Very high

High

Medium

Low

Very
low

a) Teachers’ job
satisfaction _{A A A A A}

b) Teachers’ understanding
of the school’s curricular
goals _{A A A A A}

c) Teachers’ degree of success in implementing
the school’s curriculum _{A A A A A}

d) Teachers’ expectations for student
achievement _{A A A A A}

e) Parental support for
student achievement _{A A A A A}

f) Parental involvement
in school activities _{A A A A A}

g) Students’ regard for
school property _{A A A A A}

h) Students’ desire to do
well in school _{A A A A A}

15

A. To what degree is each of the following a problem among fourth-grade students in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Minor problem

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) Arriving late at school _{A A A A}

b) Absenteeism (i.e.,
unjustified absences) _{A A A A}

c) Classroom disturbance _{A A A A}

d) Cheating _{A A A A}

e) Profanity _{A A A A}

f) Vandalism _{A A A A}

g) Theft _{A A A A}

h) Intimidation or verbal abuse among students (including
texting, emailing, etc.) _{A A A A}

i) Physical fights among
students _{A A A A}

j) Intimidation or verbal abuse of teachers or staff (including
texting, emailing, etc.) _{A A A A}

B. To what degree is each of the following a problem among teachers in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Minor problem

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) Arriving late or leaving early _{A A A A}

b) Absenteeism _{A A A A}

Teachers in Your School

Leadership Activities

16

In your school, are any of the following used to evaluate the practice of fourth-grade teachers?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Observations by the
principal or senior staff _{A A}

b) Observations by inspectors
or other persons external
to the school _{A A}

c) Student achievement _{A A}

d) Teacher peer review _{A A}

17

Do fourth-grade teachers in your school have an opportunity to participate in a mentoring program?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

18

Do the fourth-grade students in your school have separate teachers for any of the core subjects?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) English _{A A}

b) Mathematics _{A A}

c) Science _{A A}

19

During the past year, approximately how much time have you spent on the following school
leadership activities in your role as a school principal?

Check one circle for each line.

No time

Some time

A lot of time

a) Promoting the school’s
educational vision or goals _{A A A}

b) Developing the school’s
curricular and educational goals _{A A A}

c) Monitoring teachers’ implementation of the
school’s educational goals
in their teaching _{A A A}

d) Monitoring students’ learning
progress to ensure that the school’s
educational goals are reached _{A A A}

e) Teaching some classes to understand
your students and their problems _{A A A}

f) Keeping an orderly
atmosphere in the school _{A A A}

g) Ensuring that there are clear
rules for student behavior _{A A A}

h) Addressing disruptive
student behavior _{A A A}

i) Creating a climate of trust
among teachers _{A A A}

j) Initiating a discussion to help
teachers who have problems
in the classroom _{A A A}

k) Advising teachers who have
questions or problems with
their teaching _{A A A}

l) Visiting other schools or attending educational
conferences for new ideas _{A A A}

m) Initiating educational
projects or improvements _{A A A}

n) Participating in professional development activities specifically
for school principals _{A A A}

School Readiness

Reading in Your School

20

About how many of the students in your school can do the following when they begin primary/elementary school?

Check one circle for each line.

Less than 25%

25-50%

51-75%

More than 75%

a) Recognize most of the
letters of the alphabet _{A A A A}

b) Read some words _{A A A A}

c) Read sentences _{A A A A}

d) Write letters of the alphabet _{A A A A}

e) Write some words _{A A A A}

f) Count up to 100 or higher _{A A A A}

g) Recognize all 10 written
numerals from 1-10 _{A A A A}

h) Write all 10 numerals
from 1-10 _{A A A A}

21

At which grade do the following reading skills and strategies first receive a major emphasis in instruction in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

First grade or earlier

Second grade

Third grade

Fourth
grade

Not in
these
grades

a) Knowing letters of the
alphabet _{A A A A A}

b) Knowing letter-sound
relationships _{A A A A A}

c) Reading words _{A A A A A}

d) Reading isolated sentences _{A A A A A}

e) Reading connected text _{A A A A A}

f) Locating information within
the text _{A A A A A}

g) Identifying the main ideas
of what they have read _{A A A A A}

h) Explaining or supporting their understanding of what they
have read _{A A A A A}

i) Comparing what they have read with experiences they
have had _{A A A A A}

j) Comparing what they have read with other things they
have read _{A A A A A}

k) Making predictions about what will happen next in the
text they are reading _{A A A A A}

l) Making generalizations and drawing inferences based on
what they have read _{A A A A A}

m) Describing the style or structure of the text they
have read _{A A A A A}

n) Determining the author’s
perspective or intention _{A A A A A}

22

Compared with other areas of the curriculum (e.g., mathematics and science), how much emphasis does your school place on teaching the following language and literacy skills to students in grades 1 to 4?

Check one circle for each line.

More emphasis

Same emphasis

Less emphasis

a) Reading _{A A A}

b) Writing (not handwriting) _{A A A}

c) Speaking/listening
(oral language) _{A A A}

23

For students in fourth grade and below, does your school make provisions for reading instruction in mother tongue for students whose mother tongue is not English?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

Directions

In this booklet, you will find questions about you and what you think. For each question, you should choose the answer you think is best.

Let us take a few minutes to practice the kinds of questions you will answer in this booklet.

Example 1 is one kind of question you will find in this booklet.

Example 1

Do you go to school?

Fill one circle only.

Yes --A

No – A

Example 2 is another kind of question you will find in this booklet.

Example 2

How often do you do these things?

Fill one circle for each line.

a) I listen to music -------------------------- A A A A

b) I talk with my friends ------------------ A A A A

c) I play sports ------------------------------- A A A A

Example 3 is another kind of question you will find in this booklet.

Example 3

^{About you}

1

1. Are you a girl or a boy?

Fill one circle only.

Girl _A

Boy _A

2. Are you a Hispanic or Latino?

Fill one or more circles

No, I am not Hispanic or Latino --- _A

Yes, I am Mexican, Mexican American, or Chicano ---------------_A

Yes, I am Puerto Rican or Puerto Rican American--------------- _A

Yes, I am Cuban or Cuban American ----------------------------------_A

Yes, I am from some other Hispanic or Latino background-----_A

3. Which of the following best describes you?

Fill one or more circles

White ----------_A

Black or African American ----------_A

Asian ----------_A

American Indian or Alaska Native ----------_A

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander ----------_A

2

When were you born?

Fill the circles next to the month and year you were born.

a) Month b) Year

January _A 1997 _A

February _A 1998 _A

March _A 1999 _A

April _A 2000 _A

May _A 2001 _A

June _A 2002 _A

July _A 2003 _A

August _A Other _A

September _A

October _A

November _A

December _A

3

1. How often do you speak English at home?

Fill one circle only.

I always or almost always
speak English at home _A

I sometimes speak English and sometimes speak
another language at home _A

I never speak English at home _A

2. What language do you speak at home (other than English)?

Fill one circle only.

Spanish _A

Other _A

4

1. Was your mother born in the United States? (“United States” includes the 50 states, its territories, the District of Columbia, and U.S. military bases abroad.)

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{I don’t know A}

2. Was your stepmother or female legal guardian born in the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{I don’t have a stepmother or legal guardian A}

_{I don’t know A}

3. Was your father born in the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{I don’t know A}

D. Was your stepfather or male legal guardian born in the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{I don’t have a stepmother or legal guardian A}

_{I don’t know A}

5

1. Were you born in the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

2. If you were not born in the United States, how old were you when you came to the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Older than 5 years old ----------- _A

1 to 5 years old ----------- _A

Younger than 1 year old---------- _A

6

The next question asks about people you live with. If you live in more than one place, answer the question about the place that is your home most of the time.

Fill one circle for each line.

Yes No

a) Does your mother live at home with you? -------------------------------- _{A A}

b) Does your stepmother or legal guardian live at home with you? -- _{A A}

c) Does your father live at home with you? ---------------------------------- _{A A}

d) Does your stepfather or legal guardian live at home with you?--- _{A A}

e) How many brothers or sisters live with you? --------------------------- _{A A}

f) Does your grandmother or grandfather live at home with you? -- _{A A}

g) How many OTHER family members live at home with you? ----__--- _________

h) How many people live at home with you who are not part of your family? _________

7

About how many books are there in your home? (Do not count magazines, newspapers, or your school books.)

Fill one circle only.

None or very few (0-10 books) _A This shows 10 books

Enough to fill one shelf (11-25 books) _A This shows 25 books

Enough to fill one bookcase
(26-100 books) _A This shows 100 books

Enough to fill two bookcases

(101-200 books) _A This shows 200 books

Enough to fill three or more bookcases

(more than 200) _A This shows more than 200 books

8

Do you have any of these things at your home?

Fill one circle for each line.

Yes No

a) Computer _{A A}

b) Study desk/table for your use _{A A}

c) Books of your very own (do not
count your school books) _{A A}

d) Your own room _{A A}

e) Internet connection _{A A}

f) Encyclopedia (a book or CD) _{A A}

g) PlayStation, Game Cube, Xbox, or other TV/Video Game _{A A}

h) VCR or DVD Player _{A A}

i) Three vehicles (such as a car, small truck or sport utility vehicle) _{A A}

9

A. Do you ever use a computer?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{(If No, go to question 7)}

B. How often do you use a computer in each of these places?

Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or
or almost twice a twice a almost
every day week month never

a) At home _{A A A A}

b) At school _{A A A A}

c) Some other place _{A A A A}

C. How often do you use a computer to do these things?

Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or
or almost twice a twice a almost
every day week month never

a) Look up information for school _{A A A A}

b) Look up information on a topic
you like (for example, your favorite athlete,
animals you like, or places
you have traveled to) _{A A A A}

c) Exchange information about schoolwork
online (for example, getting homework, asking
for help, discussion boards) _{A A A A}

10

How often do the following things happen at home?

Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or
or almost twice a twice a almost
every day week month never

a) I talk about my schoolwork with
my parents _{A A A A}

b) My parents help me with my
schoolwork _{A A A A}

c) My parents make sure that I set
aside time for my homework _{A A A A}

d) My parents ask me what I learned
in school _{A A A A}

e) My parents check if I do my
homework _{A A A A}

f) My parents help me practice
my reading _{A A A A}

g) My parents help me practice
my math skills _{A A A A}

h) I talk with my parents about
what I am reading _{A A A A}

i) My parents like to know where
I am after school _{A A A A}

11

The following questions ask about activities you do outside of school.

Fill one circle for each line.

Yes No

a) Do you play on a sports team outside of school? ------------------------- _{A A}

b) Do you often play a musical instrument outside of school?----------- _{A A}

c) Are you studying something in a class outside of school?-------------- _{A A}

d) Do you belong to a club outside of school

(like Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, or 4-H)?---------------------------- _{A A}

12

How many days were you absent from school in the last month?

Fill one circle only.

None _A

1 or 2 days _A

3 or 4 days _A

5 to 10 days _A

More than 10 days _A

^{Your School}

13

What do you think about your school? Tell how much you agree with these statements.

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I like being in school _{A A A A}

b) I feel safe when I am at school _{A A A A}

c) I feel like I belong at this school _{A A A A}

14

During this year, how often have any of the following things happened to you at school?

Fill one circle for each line.

At least Once or A few
once a twice a times a
week month year Never

a) I was made fun of or called names _{A A A A}

b) I was left out of games or activities
by other students _{A A A A}

c) Someone spread lies about me _{A A A A}

d) Something was stolen from me _{A A A A}

e) I was hit or hurt by other student(s)
(such as, shoving, hitting, kicking) _{A A A A}

f) I was made to do things I didn’t
want to do by other students _{A A A A}

^{Reading outside of school}

15

How much time do you spend reading outside of school on a normal school day?

Fill one circle only.

Less than 30 minutes _A

30 minutes up to 1 hour _A

From 1 hour up to 2 hours _A

2 hours or more _A

16

How often do you do these things outside of school?

Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or
or almost twice a twice a almost
every day week month never

a) I read for fun _{A A A A}

b) I read things that I
choose myself _{A A A A}

c) I read to find out about things I
want to learn about _{A A A A}

17

How often do you read these things outside of school (in print or online)?

Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or
or almost twice a twice a almost
every day week month never

a) I read stories or novels _{A A A A}

b) I read books that explain things
(for example, you might read about
your favorite athlete, about animals
you like, or a place you visited) _{A A A A}

c) I read magazines _{A A A A}

d) I read comic books _{A A A A}

^{Using the library}

18

How often do you borrow books from your school or local library?

Fill one circle only.

At least once a week _A

Once or twice a month _A

A few times a year _A

Never or almost never _A

^{Lessons about reading}

19

Think about your lessons about the reading you do for school. Tell how much you agree with each of these statements.

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I like what I read about
in school _{A A A A}

b) The things my teacher asks
me to read are difficult _{A A A A}

c) My teacher gives me interesting
things to read _{A A A A}

d) I know what my teacher
expects me to do _{A A A A}

e) I have difficulty paying attention _{A A A A}

f) I think of things not related to
the lesson _{A A A A}

g) My teacher is easy to understand _{A A A A}

h) I am interested in what my
teacher says _{A A A A}

i) My teacher gives me interesting
things to do _{A A A A}

20

In school, how often do these things happen?

Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or
or almost twice a twice a almost
every day week month never

a) I read silently on my own _{A A A A}

b) I read books that I choose myself _{A A A A}

^{What you think about reading}

21

What do you think about reading? Tell how much you agree with each of these statements.

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I read only if I have to _{A A A A}

b) I like talking about what I read
with other people _{A A A A}

c) I would be happy if someone gave
me a book as a present _{A A A A}

d) I think reading is boring _{A A A A}

e) I would like to have more
time for reading _{A A A A}

f) I enjoy reading _{A A A A}

22

How well do you read? Tell how much you agree with each of these statements.

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I usually do well in reading _{A A A A}

b) Reading is easy for me _{A A A A}

c) Reading is harder for me than
for many of my classmates _{A A A A}

d) I learn more from reading than
most of my classmates _{A A A A}

e) If a book is interesting, I don’t
care how hard it is to read _{A A A A}

f) I have trouble reading
stories with difficult words _{A A A A}

g) My teacher tells me I am
a good reader _{A A A A}

h) Reading is harder for me than
other subjects _{A A A A}

^{Reasons for reading}

23

Do you read for any of the following reasons? Tell how much you agree with each of these statements.

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I like to get compliments
for my reading _{A A A A}

b) I like to read things that
make me think _{A A A A}

c) It is important to be a
good reader _{A A A A}

d) My parents like it when I read _{A A A A}

e) I learn a lot from reading _{A A A A}

f) I need to read well for my future _{A A A A}

g) I read to do better in school _{A A A A}

h) I like reading stories that are
entertaining (for example, funny,
scary, or with exciting
adventures) _{A A A A}

i) Being a good reader helps me do
better in school _{A A A A}

j) I read to please my teacher _{A A A A}

k) I like it when a book helps
me imagine other worlds _{A A A A}

l) Being a good reader helps me
in my daily life _{A A A A}

Teacher Questionnaire

Your school has agreed to participate in PIRLS 2011 (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study), an educational research project sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). PIRLS measures trends in student achievement in reading and studies differences in national education systems in more than 50 countries in order to help improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to teachers of fourth-grade students, and seeks information about teachers’ academic and professional backgrounds, classroom resources, instructional practices, and attitudes toward teaching. Since your class has been selected as part of a nationwide sample, your responses are very important in helping to describe fourth-grade education in the United States.

Some of the questions in the questionnaire refer to the “PIRLS class” or “this class”. This is the class that is identified on the front of this booklet, and which will be tested as part of PIRLS in your school. If you teach some but not all of the students in the PIRLS class, please think only of the students that you teach when answering these class-specific questions. It is important that you answer each question carefully so that the information that you provide reflects your situation as accurately as possible.

Since PIRLS is an international study and all countries are using the same questionnaire, you may fid that some of the questions seem unusual or are not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United States. Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to answer all of the questions so comparisons can be made across countries in the studies.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 45 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We appreciate the time and effort that this takes and thank you for your cooperation and contribution. When you have completed the questionnaire, please place it in the accompanying envelope and return it to the PIRLS school coordinator

Thank you.

PIRLS 2011

About You

1

By the end of this school year, how many years will you have been teaching altogether?

_____________ years

Please round to the nearest whole number.

2

Are you female or male?

Check one circle only.

Female _A

Male _A

3

How old are you?

Check one circle only.

Under 25 _A

25-29 _A

30-39 _A

40-49 _A

50-59 _A

60 or more _A

4

What is the highest level of formal education you have completed?

Check one circle only.

Did not complete high school _A

Completed high school _A

Completed a vocational/technical certificate after high school _A

Completed an Associate's degree (AA) in vocational/technical program _A

Completed an Associate’s degree (AA) or Bachelor's degree _A

Completed an academic Master's degree, postgraduate certificate program

(e.g., teaching) or first professional degree (e.g., law, medicine, dentistry) _A

Completed a doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D) _A

5

A. During your post-secondary education, what was your major or main area(s) of study?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Education - Primary/Elementary _{A A}

b) Education - Secondary _{A A}

c) Mathematics _{A A}

d) Science _{A A}

e) English _{A A}

f) Other _{A A}

B. If your major or main area of study was education, did you have a specialization in any of the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Mathematics _{A A}

b) Science _{A A}

c) Language/reading _{A A}

d) Other subject _{A A}

About Your School

6

How would you characterize each of the following within your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Very high

High

Medium

Low

Very low

a) Teachers’ job satisfaction _{A A A A A}

b) Teachers’ understanding of the school’s curricular
goals _{A A A A A}

c) Teachers’ degree of success in implementing
the school’s curriculum _{A A A A A}

d) Teachers’ expectations for student
achievement _{A A A A A}

e) Parental support for
student achievement _{A A A A A}

f) Parental involvement
in school activities _{A A A A A}

g) Students’ regard for
school property _{A A A A A}

h) Students’ desire to do
well in school _{A A A A A}

7

Thinking about your current school, indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements.

Check one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

Agree a little

Disagree a little

Disagree
a lot

a) This school is located in
a safe neighborhood _{A A A A}

b) I feel safe at this school _{A A A A}

c) This school’s security policies
and practices are sufficient _{A A A A}

d) The students behave in an
orderly manner _{A A A A}

e ) The students are respectful
of the teachers _{A A A A}

8

In your current school, how severe is each problem?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Minor problem

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) The school building needs
significant repair _{A A A A}

b) Classrooms are overcrowded _{A A A A}

c) Teachers have too many
teaching hours _{A A A A}

d) Teachers do not have adequate workspace (e.g., for
preparation, collaboration,
or meeting with students) _{A A A A}

e) Teachers do not have adequate instructional
materials and supplies _{A A A A}

About Being a Teacher

9

A. Do you use computers in your teaching?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to #10)

If Yes,

B. How much do you agree with the following statements about using computers in your teaching?

Check one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

Agree a little

Disagree a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I feel comfortable using
computers in my teaching _{A A A A}

b) When I have technical problems, I have ready access to computer
support staff in my school _{A A A A}

c) I receive adequate support for integrating computers in my
teaching activities _{A A A A}

10

How often do you have the following types of interactions with other teachers?

Check one circle for each line.

Never or almost never

2 or 3 times per month

1-3 times
per week

Daily or
almost
daily

a) Discuss how to teach
a particular topic _{A A A A}

b) Collaborate in planning and preparing instructional
materials _{A A A A}

c) Share what I have learned about my
teaching experiences _{A A A A}

d) Visit another classroom
to learn more about teaching _{A A A A}

e) Work together to
try out new ideas _{A A A A}

About Teaching the PIRLS Class

11

How much do you agree with the following
statements?

Check one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

Agree a little

Disagree a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I am content with my profession
as a teacher _{A A A A}

b) I am satisfied with being a
teacher at this school _{A A A A}

c) I had more enthusiasm when
I began teaching than I
have now _{A A A A}

d) I do important work as
a teacher _{A A A A}

e) I plan to continue as a
teacher for as long as I can _{A A A A}

f) I am frustrated as a teacher _{A A A A}

12

A. How many students are in this class?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

B. How many of the students in #12A are in fourth-grade?

_____________ fourth-grade students

Write in a number.

13

How many fourth-grade students experience difficulties understanding spoken English?

_____________ students in this class

Write in a number.

14

A. Are you the students’ general teacher for reading, mathematics and science?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

(If Yes, go to #15)

No _A

If No,

B. Which of the following subjects do you teach to this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

NO

a) I teach the class reading/language arts _{A A}

b) I teach the class mathematics _{A A}

c) I teach the class science _{A A}

15

How often do you do the following in teaching this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

About half the lessons

Some lessons

Never

a) Summarize what students should have learned from
the lesson _{A A A A}

b) Relate the lesson to
students’ daily lives _{A A A A}

c) Use questioning to elicit
reasons and explanations _{A A A A}

d) Encourage all students to
improve their performance _{A A A A}

e) Praise students for
good effort _{A A A A}

f) Bring interesting materials
to class _{A A A A}

16

In your view, to what extent do the following limit how you teach this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

Not at all

Some

A lot

a) Students lacking prerequisite knowledge
or skills _{A A A A}

b) Students suffering from
lack of basic nutrition _{A A A A}

c) Students suffering from
not enough sleep _{A A A A}

d) Students with special needs (e.g., physical disabilities,
mental or emotional/
psychological impairment) _{A A A A}

e) Disruptive students _{A A A A}

f) Uninterested students _{A A A A}

17

For the typical student in this class, how often do you do these things?

Check one circle for each line.

At least once a week

Once or twice a month

4-6 times a year

1-3 times a year

Never

a) Meet or talk individually with the student’s parents
to discuss his/her
learning progress _{A A A A A}

b) Send home a progress report on the student’s
learning _{A A A A A}

Teaching Reading to the PIRLS Class

18

A. In a typical week, how much time do you spend on English language instruction and/or activities with the students?

Include instruction or activities in reading, writing, speaking, literature, and other language skills.

___________hours and ___________minutes per week

Write in the hours and minutes.

B. What proportion of the time spent on English language instruction and/or activities is spent on the following skills?

Write in the percentage for each.

a) Reading _____%

b) Grammar and spelling _____%

c) Writing composition _____%

d) Speaking and listening _____%

e) Other _____%

Total = 100%

19

Regardless of whether or not you have formally scheduled time for reading instruction, in a typical week about how much time do you spend on reading instruction and/or activities with the students?

Include things you do across curriculum areas and
during formally scheduled time for reading instruction.

___________hours and ___________minutes per week

Write in the hours and minutes.

^{Questions 20-27 ask about reading instruction for the fourth-grade students in this class.}

20

When you have reading instruction and/or do reading activities, how often do you organize
students in the following ways?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

Often

Sometimes

Never

a) I teach reading as a
whole-class activity _{A A A A}

b) I create same-ability groups _{A A A A}

c) I create mixed-ability groups _{A A A A}

d) I use individualized
instruction for reading _{A A A A}

e) Students work independently
on an assigned plan or goal _{A A A A}

f) Students work independently
on a goal they choose
themselves _{A A A A}

21

A. How many fourth-grade students need remedial instruction in reading?

_____________fourth-grade students in this class

Write in a number.

B. How many of the students in #21A receive remedial instruction in reading?

_____________ fourth-grade students in this class

Write in a number.

22

A. Is there any provision for advanced readers to receive additional or more challenging reading instruction in your school?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to #23)

If Yes,

B. How many fourth-grade students receive additional or more challenging reading instruction because they are advanced readers?

_____________fourth-grade students in this class

Write in a number.

23

When you have reading instruction and/or do reading activities with the students, how
do you use the following resources?

Check one circle for each line.

Basis for instruction

Supplement

Not used

a) Textbooks _{A A A}

b) Reading series (e.g., basal readers,
graded readers) _{A A A}

c) Workbooks or
worksheets _{A A A}

d) A variety of children’s books (e.g., novels, collections of
stories, nonfiction) _{A A A}

e) Materials from different
curricular areas _{A A A}

f) Children’s newspapers
and/or magazines _{A A A}

g) Computer software for
reading instruction _{A A A}

h) Reference materials (e.g.,
encyclopedia, dictionary) _{A A A}

24

When you have reading instruction and/or do reading activities with the students, how often
do you have the students read the following types of text (in print or electronically)?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every day

Once or twice a week

Once or twice a
month

Never or
almost
never

A. Literary Reading Materials

a) Short stories (e.g., fables, fairy tales, action stories, science fiction,
detective stories) _{A A A A}

b) Longer fiction books with
chapters _{A A A A}

c) Plays _{A A A A}

d) Other _{A A A A}

B. Informational Reading
Materials

a) Nonfiction subject area
books or textbook _{A A A A}

b) Longer nonfiction books with
chapters _{A A A A}

c) Nonfiction articles that
describe and explain about
things, people, events, or
how things work _{A A A A}

25

When you have reading instruction and/or do reading activities with the students, how often
do you do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Every day or almost every day

Once or twice a week

Once or twice a
month

Never or
almost
never

a) Read aloud to the class _{A A A A}

b) Ask students to read aloud _{A A A A}

c) Ask students to read silently
on their own _{A A A A}

d) Give students time to read
books of their own choosing _{A A A A}

e) Teach students strategies for
decoding sounds and words _{A A A A}

f) Teach students new
vocabulary systematically _{A A A A}

g) Teach or model skimming
or scanning strategies _{A A A A}

26

How often do you ask the students to do the following things to help develop reading
comprehension skills or strategies?

Check one circle for each line.

Every day or almost every day

Once or twice a week

Once or twice a
month

Never or
almost
never

a) Locate information within
the text _{A A A A}

b) Identify the main ideas
of what they have read _{A A A A}

c) Explain or support their understanding of what they
have read _{A A A A}

d) Compare what they have read with experiences they
have had _{A A A A}

e) Compare what they have read with other things they
have read _{A A A A}

f) Make predictions about what will happen next in the
text they are reading _{A A A A}

g) Make generalizations and draw inferences based on
what they have read _{A A A A}

h) Describe the style or structure of the text they
have read _{A A A A}

i) Determine the author’s
perspective or intention _{A A A A}

27

After students have read something, how often do you ask them to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Every day or almost every day

Once or twice a week

Once or twice a
month

Never or
almost
never

a) Write something about or in response to what they
have read _{A A A A}

b) Answer oral questions about or orally summarize
what they have read _{A A A A}

c) Talk with each other about
what they have read _{A A A A}

d) Take a written quiz or test
about what they have read _{A A A A}

Computer and Library Resources

28

A. Do the fourth-grade students in the PIRLS class have computer(s) available to use during their reading lessons?

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to 29)

If Yes,

B. Do any of the computers have access to the Internet?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

C. How often do you have students do the following computer activities during their reading lessons?

Check one circle for each line.

Every day or almost every day

Once or twice a week

Once or twice a
month

Never or
almost
never

a) Look up information _{A A A A}

b) Read stories or other texts
on the computer _{A A A A}

c) Use instructional software to develop reading skills
and strategies _{A A A A}

d) Use the computer to
write stories or other texts _{A A A A}

29

A. Do you have a library or reading corner in your classroom?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to 30)

If Yes,

B. About how many books are in your classroom library?

Check one circle only.

0–25 _A

26–50 _A

51–100 _A

More than 100 _A

C. About how many magazines with different titles are in your classroom library?

Check one circle only.

0 _A

1–2 _A

3–5 _A

More than 5 _A

D. How often do you give the students in your
class time to use the classroom library or
reading corner?

Check one circle only.

Every day or almost every day _A

Once or twice a week _A

Once or twice a month _A

Never or almost never _A

E. Can the students borrow books from the classroom library or reading corner to take home?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

Reading Homework

30

How often do you take or send the students to a library other than your classroom library?

Check one circle only.

At least once or twice a week _A

Once or twice a month _A

A few times a year _A

Never or almost never _A

^{Questions 31-33 ask about homework for the fourth-grade students in this class.}

31

How often do you assign reading as part of homework (for any subject)?

Check one circle only.

I do not assign reading
for homework _A

(Go to 32)

Less than once a week _A

1 or 2 times a week _A

3 or 4 times a week _A

Every day _A

32

In general, how much time do you expect students to spend on homework involving reading (for any subject) each time you assign it?

Check one circle only.

15 minutes or less _A

16-30 minutes _A

31-60 minutes _A

More than 60 minutes _A

33

How often do you do the following with the reading homework assignments for this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

Sometimes

Never or
almost never

a) Correct assignments and give
feedback to students _{A A A}

b) Discuss the homework
in class _{A A A}

c) Monitor whether or not the
homework was completed _{A A A}

Reading Difficulties

Assessing Reading

^{Questions 34-35 ask about how you deal with reading difficulties of fourth-grade students in this class.}

34

Are the following resources available to you to work with students who have difficulty with reading?

Check one circle for each line.

Always

Sometimes

Never

a) A specialized professional (e.g., reading specialist,
speech therapist) _{A A A}

b) A teacher-aide _{A A A}

c) An adult/parent volunteer _{A A A}

35

What do you usually do if a student begins to fall behind in reading?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) I have the student work with a specialized
professional (e.g., reading specialist,
speech therapist) _{A A}

b) I wait to see if performance improves with
maturation _{A A}

c) I spend more time working on reading
individually with that student _{A A}

d) I ask the parents to help the student
with reading _{A A}

36

How much emphasis do you place on the following sources to monitor students’ progress in reading?

Check one circle for each line.

Major emphasis

Some emphasis

Little or no emphasis

a) Evaluation of students’
ongoing work _{A A A}

b) Classroom tests (for
example, teacher-made
or textbook tests) _{A A A}

c) State or district
achievement tests _{A A A}

Education in Teaching Reading

37

As part of your formal education and/or training, to what extent did you study the following areas?

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

Overview or introduction
to topic

It was an area
of emphasis

a) English _{A A A}

b) Pedagogy/teaching reading _{A A A}

c) Educational psychology _{A A A}

d) Remedial reading _{A A A}

e) Reading theory _{A A A}

f) Special education _{A A A}

g) Second language learning _{A A A}

h) Assessment methods
in reading _{A A A}

38

In the past two years, how many hours in total have you spent in in-service/professional development workshops or seminars that dealt directly with reading or teaching reading (e.g., reading theory, instructional methods)?

Check one circle only.

None _A

Less than 6 hours _A

6-15 hours _A

16-35 hours _A

More than 35 hours _A

39

For your professional development, about how often do you read children’s books?

Check one circle only.

At least once a week _A

Once or twice a month _A

Once or twice a year _A

Never or almost never _A

Grade 4

School Questionnaire

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS 2011 (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), an educational research project sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures trends in student achievement in mathematics and science, and studies differences in national education systems in more than 60 countries in order to help improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to school principals and department heads who are asked to supply information about their schools. Since your school has been selected as part of a nationwide sample, your responses are very important in helping to describe primary/elementary education in the United States.

It is important that you answer each question carefully so that the information provided reflects the situation in your school as accurately as possible. Some of the questions will require that you look up school records, so you may wish to arrange for the assistance of another staff member to help provide this information.

Since TIMSS is an international study and all countries are using the same questionnaire, you may find that some of the questions seem unusual or are not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United States. Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to answer all of the questions so comparisons can be made across countries in the study.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 30 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We appreciate the time and effort that this takes and thank you for your cooperation and contribution.

When you have completed the questionnaire, please place it in the accompanying envelope and return it to the TIMSS school coordinator.

Thank you.

TIMSS 2011

School Enrollment and Characteristics

1

What is the total enrollment of students in your school as of March 1, 2010?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

2

What is the total enrollment of fourth-grade students in your school as March 1, 2010?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

3

Approximately what percentage of students in your school have the following backgrounds?

Check one circle for each line.

0 to 10%

11 to 25%

26 to 50%

More than
50%

a) Come from economically
disadvantaged homes _{A A A A}

b) Come from economically
affluent homes _{A A A A}

4

Around the first of October 2010 what percentage of students at this school were eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program?

_________ percentage of students

5

A. Which best describes the immediate area in which your school is located?

Check one circle only.

Urban–Densely populated _A

Suburban–On fringe or
outskirts of urban area _A

Medium size city or large town _A

Small town or village _A

Remote rural _A

B. Which best characterizes the average income level of the school’s immediate area?

Check one circle only.

High _A

Medium _A

Low _A

6

What type of school is this?

Check one circle only.

1. Regular public elementary school _A

2. A regular public school with a magnet program _A

3. A magnet school or school with a special program emphasis

(e.g ., science/math school, performing arts school, talented/gifted school,

foreign language immersion school, etc.) _A

4. Special education: a school that primarily serves students with disabilities _A

5. Alternative: a school that offers a curriculum designed to provide alternative or

nontraditional education, not clearly categorized as regular or special education _A

7

1. Approximately what percentage of students in your school have English as their native language?

Check one circle only.

More than 90% _A

76 to 90% _A

51 to 75% _A

26 to 50% _A

25% or less _A

B. Of the students currently enrolled in your school, what percentage has been identified as limited-English proficient (LEP)/English language learners (ELL)?

Check one circle only.

0% _A

1 to 5% _A

6 to 10% _A

11 to 25% _A

26 to 50% _A

51 to 75% _A

76 to 90% _A

Over 90% _A

Instructional Time

Resources and Technology

8

For the fourth-grade students in your school:

A. How many days per year is your school open for instruction?

__________days

Write in the number.

B. What is the total instructional time, excluding breaks, in a typical day?

_________hours and __________minutes

Write in the number of hours and minutes.

C. In one calendar week, how many days is the school open for instruction?

Check one circle only.

6 days _A

5 1/2 days _A

5 days _A

4 1/2 days _A

4 days _A

Other _A

Please specify

9

What is the total number of computers that can be used for instructional purposes by fourth-grade students?

___________computers

Write in the number.

10

Does your school have a science laboratory that can be used by fourth-grade students?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

11

Does your school have a school library?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to #12)

If Yes,

A. Approximately how many books with different titles does your school library have (exclude magazines and periodicals)?

Check one circle only.

250 or fewer _A

251-500 _A

501-2,000 _A

2,001-5,000 _A

5,001-10,000 _A

More than 10,000 _A

B. Approximately how many titles of magazines and other periodicals does your school library have?

Check one circle only.

0 _A

1-5 _A

6-10 _A

11-30 _A

31 or more _A

12

How much is your school’s capacity to provide instruction affected by a shortage or inadequacy
of the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

A little

Some

A lot

A. General School Resources

a) Second language teachers _{A A A A}

b) Instructional materials (e.g.,
textbooks) _{A A A A}

c) Supplies (e.g., papers,
pencils) _{A A A A}

d) School buildings and
grounds _{A A A A}

e) Heating/cooling and lighting
systems _{A A A A}

f) Instructional space (e.g.,
classrooms) _{A A A A}

g) Technologically competent
staff _{A A A A}

h) Special equipment for
physically disabled students _{A A A A}

i) Computers for instruction _{A A A A}

Involving Parents in Your School

13

A. How often does your school do the following for parents concerning individual students?

Check one circle for each line.

Never

Once a year

2-3 times a year

More than 3 times a year

a) Inform parents about their
child’s learning progress _{A A A A}

b) Inform parents about the
behavior and well-being of
their child at school _{A A A A}

c) Discuss parents’ concerns or
wishes about their child’s
learning _{A A A A}

d) Support individual parents
in helping their child with
schoolwork _{A A A A}

B. How often does your school ask parents to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Never

Once a year

2-3 times a year

More than 3 times a year

a) Ask parents to raise funds
for the school _{A A A A}

b) Ask parents to volunteer for
school projects, programs,
and trips _{A A A A}

c) Ask parents to serve on
school committees _{A A A A}

C. How often does your school do the following for parents in general?

Check one circle for each line.

Never

Once a year

2-3 times a year

More than 3 times a year

a) Inform parents about the overall academic achievement
of the school (e.g., results of
national tests, results of
inspections of learning) _{A A A A}

b) Inform parents about school
accomplishments (e.g.,
tournament results, facility
improvements) _{A A A A}

c) Inform parents about the
educational goals and
pedagogic principles of
the school _{A A A A}

d) Inform parents about the
rules of the school _{A A A A}

e) Discuss parents’ concerns or
wishes about the school’s
organization (e.g., rules and
regulations, time tables,
safety measures) _{A A A A}

f) Provide parents with
additional learning materials
(e.g., books, computer
software) for their child to
use at home _{A A A A}

g) Organize workshops or
seminars for parents on
learning or pedagogical
issues _{A A A A}

School Climate

14

How would you characterize each of the following within your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Very high

High

Medium

Low

Very
low

a) Teachers’ job
satisfaction _{A A A A A}

b) Teachers’ understanding
of the school’s curricular
goals _{A A A A A}

c) Teachers’ degree of
success in implementing
the school’s curriculum _{A A A A A}

d) Teachers’ expectations
for student
achievement _{A A A A A}

e) Parental support for
student achievement _{A A A A A}

f) Parental involvement
in school activities _{A A A A A}

g) Students’ regard for
school property _{A A A A A}

h) Students’ desire to do
well in school _{A A A A A}

15

A. To what degree is each of the following a problem among fourth-grade students in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Minor problem

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) Arriving late at school _{A A A A}

b) Absenteeism (i.e.,
unjustified absences) _{A A A A}

c) Classroom disturbance _{A A A A}

d) Cheating _{A A A A}

e) Profanity _{A A A A}

f) Vandalism _{A A A A}

g) Theft _{A A A A}

h) Intimidation or verbal abuse among students (including
texting, emailing, etc.) _{A A A A}

i) Physical fights among
students _{A A A A}

j) Intimidation or verbal abuse of teachers or staff (including
texting, emailing, etc.) _{A A A A}

B. To what degree is each of the following a problem among teachers in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Minor problem

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) Arriving late or leaving early _{A A A A}

b) Absenteeism _{A A A A}

Teachers in Your School

Leadership Activities

16

In your school, are any of the following used to evaluate the practice of fourth-grade teachers?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Observations by the
principal or senior staff _{A A}

b) Observations by inspectors
or other persons external
to the school _{A A}

c) Student achievement _{A A}

d) Teacher peer review _{A A}

17

Do fourth-grade teachers in your school have an opportunity to participate in a mentoring program?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

18

Do the fourth-grade students in your school have separate teachers for any of the core subjects?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) English _{A A}

b) Mathematics _{A A}

c) Science _{A A}

19

During the past year, approximately how much time have you spent on the following school
leadership activities in your role as a school principal?

Check one circle for each line.

No time

Some time

A lot of time

a) Promoting the school’s
educational vision or goals _{A A A}

b) Developing the school’s
curricular and educational goals _{A A A}

c) Monitoring teachers’ implementation of the school’s educational goals
in their teaching _{A A A}

d) Monitoring students’ learning progress to ensure that the school’s
educational goals are reached _{A A A}

e) Teaching some classes to understand
your students and their problems _{A A A}

f) Keeping an orderly
atmosphere in the school _{A A A}

g) Ensuring that there are clear
rules for student behavior _{A A A}

h) Addressing disruptive
student behavior _{A A A}

i) Creating a climate of trust
among teachers _{A A A}

j) Initiating a discussion to help teachers who have problems
in the classroom _{A A A}

k) Advising teachers who have questions or problems with
their teaching _{A A A}

l) Visiting other schools or attending educational
conferences for new ideas _{A A A}

m) Initiating educational
projects or improvements _{A A A}

n) Participating in professional development activities specifically
for school principals _{A A A}

School Readiness

Reading in Your School

20

About how many of the students in your school can do the following when they begin primary/elementary school?

Check one circle for each line.

Less than 25%

25-50%

51-75%

More than 75%

a) Recognize most of the
letters of the alphabet _{A A A A}

b) Read some words _{A A A A}

c) Read sentences _{A A A A}

d) Write letters of the alphabet _{A A A A}

e) Write some words _{A A A A}

f) Count up to 100 or higher _{A A A A}

g) Recognize all 10 written
numerals from 1-10 _{A A A A}

h) Write all 10 numerals
from 1-10 _{A A A A}

21

At which grade do the following reading skills and strategies first receive a major emphasis in instruction in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

First grade or earlier

Second grade

Third grade

Fourth
grade

Not in
these
grades

a) Knowing letters of the
alphabet _{A A A A A}

b) Knowing letter-sound
relationships _{A A A A A}

c) Reading words _{A A A A A}

d) Reading isolated sentences _{A A A A A}

e) Reading connected text _{A A A A A}

f) Locating information within
the text _{A A A A A}

g) Identifying the main ideas
of what they have read _{A A A A A}

h) Explaining or supporting their understanding of what they
have read _{A A A A A}

i) Comparing what they have read with experiences they
have had _{A A A A A}

j) Comparing what they have read with other things they
have read _{A A A A A}

k) Making predictions about what will happen next in the
text they are reading _{A A A A A}

l) Making generalizations and drawing inferences based on
what they have read _{A A A A A}

m) Describing the style or structure of the text they
have read _{A A A A A}

n) Determining the author’s
perspective or intention _{A A A A A}

22

Compared with other areas of the curriculum (e.g., mathematics and science), how much emphasis does your school place on teaching the following language and literacy skills to students in grades 1 to 4?

Check one circle for each line.

More emphasis

Same emphasis

Less emphasis

a) Reading _{A A A}

b) Writing (not handwriting) _{A A A}

c) Speaking/listening
(oral language) _{A A A}

23

For students in fourth grade and below, does your school make provisions for reading instruction in mother tongue for students whose mother tongue is not English?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

Grade 4

Directions

In this booklet, you will find questions about you and what you think. For each question, you should choose the answer you think is best.

Let us take a few minutes to practice the kinds of questions you will answer in this booklet.

Example 1 is one kind of question you will find in this booklet.

Example 1

Do you go to school?

Fill one circle only.

Yes --A

No – A

Example 2 is another kind of question you will find in this booklet.

Example 2

How often do you do these things?

Fill one circle for each line.

a) I listen to music -------------------------- A A A A

b) I talk with my friends ------------------ A A A A

c) I play sports ------------------------------- A A A A

Example 3 is another kind of question you will find in this booklet.

Example 3

^{About you}

1

4. Are you a girl or a boy?

Fill one circle only.

Girl _A

Boy _A

5. Are you a Hispanic or Latino?

Fill one or more circles

No, I am not Hispanic or Latino --- _A

Yes, I am Mexican, Mexican American, or Chicano ---------------_A

Yes, I am Puerto Rican or Puerto Rican American--------------- _A

Yes, I am Cuban or Cuban American ----------------------------------_A

Yes, I am from some other Hispanic or Latino background-----_A

6. Which of the following best describes you?

Fill one or more circles

White ----------_A

Black or African American ----------_A

Asian ----------_A

American Indian or Alaska Native ----------_A

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander ----------_A

2

When were you born?

Fill the circles next to the month and year you were born.

a) Month b) Year

January _A 1997 _A

February _A 1998 _A

March _A 1999 _A

April _A 2000 _A

May _A 2001 _A

June _A 2002 _A

July _A 2003 _A

August _A Other _A

September _A

October _A

November _A

December _A

3

3. How often do you speak English at home?

Fill one circle only.

I always or almost always
speak English at home _A

I sometimes speak English and sometimes speak
another language at home _A

I never speak English at home _A

4. What language do you speak at home (other than English)?

Fill one circle only.

Spanish _A

Other _A

4

4. Was your mother born in the United States? (“United States” includes the 50 states, its territories, the District of Columbia, and U.S. military bases abroad.)

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{I don’t know A}

5. Was your stepmother or female legal guardian born in the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{I don’t have a stepmother or legal guardian A}

_{I don’t know A}

6. Was your father born in the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{I don’t know A}

D. Was your stepfather or male legal guardian born in the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{I don’t have a stepmother or legal guardian A}

_{I don’t know A}

5

3. Were you born in the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

4. If you were not born in the United States, how old were you when you came to the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Older than 5 years old ----------- _A

1 to 5 years old ----------- _A

Younger than 1 year old---------- _A

6

The next question asks about people you live with. If you live in more than one place, answer the question about the place that is your home most of the time.

Fill one circle for each line.

Yes No

a) Does your mother live at home with you? --------------------------------- _{A A}

b) Does your stepmother or legal guardian live at home with you? -- _{A A}

c) Does your father live at home with you? ----------------------------------- _{A A}

d) Does your stepfather or legal guardian live at home with you?---- _{A A}

e) How many brothers or sisters live with you? --------------------------- _{A A}

f) Does your grandmother or grandfather live at home with you? --- _{A A}

g) How many OTHER family members live at home with you? -------------- _________

h) How many people live at home with you who are not part of your family? _________

7

About how many books are there in your home? (Do not count magazines, newspapers, or your school books.)

Fill one circle only.

None or very few (0-10 books) _A This shows 10 books

Enough to fill one shelf (11-25 books) _A This shows 25 books

Enough to fill one bookcase
(26-100 books) _A This shows 100 books

Enough to fill two bookcases

(101-200 books) _A This shows 200 books

Enough to fill three or more bookcases

(more than 200) _A This shows more than 200 books

8

Do you have any of these things at your home?

Fill one circle for each line.

Yes No

a) Computer _{A A}

b) Study desk/table for your use _{A A}

c) Books of your very own (do not
count your school books) _{A A}

d) Your own room _{A A}

e) Internet connection _{A A}

f) Encyclopedia (a book or CD) _{A A}

g) PlayStation, Game Cube, Xbox,

or other TV/Video Game _{A A}

h) VCR or DVD Player _{A A}

i) Three vehicles (such as a car,

small truck or sport utility vehicle) _{A A}

9

A. Do you ever use a computer?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{(If No, go to question 10)}

B. How often do you use a computer in each of these places?

Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or
or almost twice a twice a almost
every day week month never

a) At home _{A A A A}

b) At school _{A A A A}

c) Some other place _{A A A A}

C. How often do you use a computer to do these things?

Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or
or almost twice a twice a almost
every day week month never

a) Look up information for school _{A A A A}

b) Look up information on a topic
you like (for example, your favorite athlete,
animals you like, or places
you have traveled to) _{A A A A}

c) Exchange information about schoolwork
online (for example, getting homework, asking
for help, discussion boards) _{A A A A}

10

How often do the following things happen at home?

Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or
or almost twice a twice a almost
every day week month never

a) I talk about my schoolwork with
my parents _{A A A A}

b) My parents help me with my
schoolwork _{A A A A}

c) My parents make sure that I set
aside time for my homework _{A A A A}

d) My parents ask me what I learned
in school _{A A A A}

e) My parents check if I do my
homework _{A A A A}

f) My parents help me practice
my reading _{A A A A}

g) My parents help me practice
my math skills _{A A A A}

h) I talk with my parents about
what I am reading _{A A A A}

i) My parents like to know where
I am after school _{A A A A}

11

The following questions ask about activities you do outside of school.

Fill one circle for each line.

Yes No

a) Do you play on a sports team outside of school? ------------------------- _{A A}

b) Do you often play a musical instrument outside of school?----------- _{A A}

c) Are you studying something in a class outside of school?-------------- _{A A}

d) Do you belong to a club outside of school

(like Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, or 4-H)?---------------------------- _{A A}

12

How many days were you absent from school in the last month?

Fill one circle only.

None _A

1 or 2 days _A

3 or 4 days _A

5 to 10 days _A

More than 10 days _A

^{Your School}

13

What do you think about your school? Tell how much you agree with these statements.

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I like being in school _{A A A A}

b) I feel safe when I am at school _{A A A A}

c) I feel like I belong at this school _{A A A A}

14

During this year, how often have any of the following things happened to you at school?

Fill one circle for each line.

At least Once or A few
once a twice a times a
week month year Never

a) I was made fun of or called names _{A A A A}

b) I was left out of games or activities
by other students _{A A A A}

c) Someone spread lies about me _{A A A A}

d) Something was stolen from me _{A A A A}

e) I was hit or hurt by other student(s)
(such as, shoving, hitting, kicking) _{A A A A}

f) I was made to do things I didn’t
want to do by other students _{A A A A}

Mathematics in School

15

How much do you agree with these statements about
learning mathematics?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I enjoy learning mathematics _{A A A A}

b) I wish I did not have to study
mathematics _{A A A A}

c) Mathematics is boring _{A A A A}

d) I learn many interesting
things in mathematics _{A A A A}

e) I like mathematics _{A A A A}

f) Learning mathematics takes
hard work _{A A A A}

g) It is important to do well
in mathematics _{A A A A}

16

How much do you agree with these statements about your
mathematics lessons?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I know what my teacher expects
me to do _{A A A A}

b) I have difficulty paying attention _{A A A A}

c) I think of things not related to
the lesson _{A A A A}

d) My teacher is easy to understand _{A A A A}

e) I am interested in what my
teacher says _{A A A A}

f) My teacher gives me interesting
things to do _{A A A A}

17

How much do you agree with these statements about
mathematics?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I usually do well in mathematics _{A A A A}

b) Mathematics is harder for me
than for many of my classmates _{A A A A}

c) I am just not good at mathematics _{A A A A}

d) I learn things quickly
in mathematics _{A A A A}

e) I am good at working out difficult
mathematics problems _{A A A A}

f) My teacher tells me I am good
at mathematics _{A A A A}

g) Mathematics is harder for me
than any other subject _{A A A A}

h) I keep working on mathematics
problems until I am finished _{A A A A}

Science in School

18

How much do you agree with these statements about learning science?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I enjoy learning science _{A A A A}

b) I wish I did not have to
study science _{A A A A}

c) I read about science in my
spare time _{A A A A}

d) Science is boring _{A A A A}

e) I learn many interesting
things in science _{A A A A}

f) I like science _{A A A A}

g) Learning science takes
hard work _{A A A A}

h) It is important to do well
in science _{A A A A}

19

How much do you agree with these statements about your science lessons?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I know what my teacher expects
me to do _{A A A A}

b) I have difficulty paying attention _{A A A A}

c) I think of things not related to
the lesson _{A A A A}

d) My teacher is easy to understand _{A A A A}

e) I am interested in what my
teacher says _{A A A A}

f) My teacher gives me interesting
things to do _{A A A A}

20

How much do you agree with these statements about
science?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I usually do well in science _{A A A A}

b) Science is harder for me
than for many of my classmates _{A A A A}

c) I am just not good at science _{A A A A}

d) I learn things quickly
in science _{A A A A}

e) My teacher tells me I am good
at science _{A A A A}

f) Science is harder for me
than any other subject _{A A A A}

g) I keep working on science
problems until I am finished _{A A A A}

Grade 4

Teacher Questionnaire

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS 2011(Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), an educational research project sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures trends in student achievement in mathematics and science and studies differences in national education systems in more than 60 countries in order to help improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to teachers of fourth-grade students, and seeks information about teachers’ academic and professional backgrounds, classroom resources, instructional practices, and attitudes toward teaching. Since your class has been selected as part of a nationwide sample, your responses are very important in helping to describe fourth-grade education in the United States.

Some of the questions in the questionnaire refer to the “TIMSS class” or “this class”. This is the class that is identified on the front of this booklet, and which will be tested as part of TIMSS in your school. If you teach some but not all of the students in the TIMSS class, please think only of the students that you teach when answering these class-specific questions. It is important that you answer each question carefully so that the information that you provide reflects your situation as accurately as possible.

Since TIMSS is an international study and all countries are using the same questionnaire, you may find that some of the questions seem unusual or are not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United States. Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to answer all of the questions so comparisons can be made across countries in the studies. It is estimated that you will need approximately 45 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We appreciate the time and effort that this takes and thank you for your cooperation and contribution.

When you have completed the questionnaire, please place it in the accompanying envelope and return it to the TIMSS school coordinator.

Thank you.

TIMSS 2011

About You

1

By the end of this school year, how many years will you have been teaching altogether?

_____________ years

Please round to the nearest whole number.

2

Are you female or male?

Check one circle only.

Female _A

Male _A

3

How old are you?

Check one circle only.

Under 25 _A

25-29 _A

30-39 _A

40-49 _A

50-59 _A

60 or more _A

4

What is the highest level of formal education you have completed?

Check one circle only.

Did not complete high school _A

Completed high school _A

Completed a vocational/technical certificate after high school _A

Completed an Associate's degree (AA) in vocational/technical program _A

Completed an Associate’s degree (AA) or Bachelor's degree _A

Completed an academic Master's degree, postgraduate certificate program (e.g., teaching) or first professional degree (e.g., law, medicine, dentistry) _A

Completed a doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D) _A

5

A. During your college or university education, what was your major or main area(s) of study?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Education - Primary/Elementary _{A A}

b) Education - Secondary _{A A}

c) Mathematics _{A A}

d) Science _{A A}

e) English _{A A}

f) Other _{A A}

B. If your major or main area of study was education, did you have a specialization in any of the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Mathematics _{A A}

b) Science _{A A}

c) Language/reading _{A A}

d) Other subject _{A A}

About Your School

6

How would you characterize each of the following within your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Very high

High

Medium

Low

Very low

a) Teachers’ job
satisfaction _{A A A A A}

b) Teachers’ understanding
of the school’s curricular
goals _{A A A A A}

c) Teachers’ degree of
success in implementing
the school’s curriculum _{A A A A A}

d) Teachers’ expectations
for student
achievement _{A A A A A}

e) Parental support for
student achievement _{A A A A A}

f) Parental involvement
in school activities _{A A A A A}

g) Students’ regard for
school property _{A A A A A}

h) Students’ desire to do
well in school _{A A A A A}

7

Thinking about your current school, indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements.

Check one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

Agree a little

Disagree a little

Disagree
a lot

a) This school is located in
a safe neighborhood _{A A A A}

b) I feel safe at this school _{A A A A}

c) This school’s security policies
and practices are sufficient _{A A A A}

d) The students behave in an
orderly manner _{A A A A}

e ) The students are respectful
of the teachers _{A A A A}

8

In your current school, how severe is each problem?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Minor problem

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) The school building needs
significant repair _{A A A A}

b) Classrooms are overcrowded _{A A A A}

c) Teachers have too many
teaching hours _{A A A A}

d) Teachers do not have
adequate workspace (e.g., for
preparation, collaboration,
or meeting with students) _{A A A A}

e) Teachers do not have
adequate instructional
materials and supplies _{A A A A}

About Being a Teacher

9

A. Do you use computers in your teaching?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to #10)

If Yes,

B. How much do you agree with the following statements about using computers in your teaching?

Check one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

Agree a little

Disagree a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I feel comfortable using
computers in my teaching _{A A A A}

b) When I have technical
problems, I have ready
access to computer
support staff in my school _{A A A A}

c) I receive adequate
support for integrating
computers in my
teaching activities _{A A A A}

10

How often do you have the following types of interactions with other teachers?

Check one circle for each line.

Never or almost never

2 or 3 times per month

1-3 times
per week

Daily or
almost
daily

a) Discuss how to teach
a particular topic _{A A A A}

b) Collaborate in planning
and preparing instructional
materials _{A A A A}

c) Share what I have
learned about my
teaching experiences _{A A A A}

d) Visit another classroom
to learn more about teaching _{A A A A}

e) Work together to
try out new ideas _{A A A A}

About Teaching the TIMSS Class

11

How much do you agree with the following statements?

Check one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

Agree a little

Disagree a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I am content with my profession
as a teacher _{A A A A}

b) I am satisfied with being a
teacher at this school _{A A A A}

c) I had more enthusiasm when
I began teaching than I
have now _{A A A A}

d) I do important work as
a teacher _{A A A A}

e) I plan to continue as a
teacher for as long as I can _{A A A A}

f) I am frustrated as a teacher _{A A A A}

12

A. How many students are in this class?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

B. How many of the students in #12A are in fourth-grade?

_____________ fourth-grade students

Write in a number.

13

How many fourth-grade students experience difficulties understanding spoken English?

_____________ fourth-grade students in this class

Write in a number.

14

A. Are you the students’ general teacher for reading, mathematics and science?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

(If Yes, go to #15)

No _A

If No,

B. Which of the following subjects do you teach to this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) I teach the class reading/language arts _{A A}

b) I teach the class mathematics _{A A}

c) I teach the class science _{A A}

15

How often do you do the following in teaching this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

About half the lessons

Some lessons

Never

a) Summarize what students
should have learned from
the lesson _{A A A A}

b) Relate the lesson to
students’ daily lives _{A A A A}

c) Use questioning to elicit
reasons and explanations _{A A A A}

d) Encourage all students to
improve their performance _{A A A A}

e) Praise students for
good effort _{A A A A}

f) Bring interesting materials
to class _{A A A A}

16

In your view, to what extent do the following limit how you teach this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

Not at all

Some

A lot

a) Students lacking
prerequisite knowledge
or skills _{A A A A}

b) Students suffering from
lack of basic nutrition _{A A A A}

c) Students suffering from
not enough sleep _{A A A A}

d) Students with special needs
(e.g., physical disabilities,
mental or emotional/
psychological impairment) _{A A A A}

e) Disruptive students _{A A A A}

f) Uninterested students _{A A A A}

17

For the typical student in this class, how often do you do these things?

Check one circle for each line.

At least once a week

Once or twice a month

4-6 times a year

1-3 times a year

Never

a) Meet or talk individually
with the student’s parents
to discuss his/her
learning progress _{A A A A A}

b) Send home a progress
report on the student’s
learning _{A A A A A}

Teaching Mathematics to the TIMSS Class

^{Questions 18-20 ask about mathematics instruction for the fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.}

18

In a typical week, how much time do you spend teaching mathematics to the students in this class?

___________hours and ___________minutes per week

Write in the hours and minutes.

19

In teaching mathematics to this class, how confident do you feel to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Very confident

Somewhat confident

Not confident

a) Answer students’ questions
about mathematics _{A A A}

b) Show students a variety of
problem solving strategies _{A A A}

c) Provide challenging tasks
for capable students _{A A A}

d) Adapt my teaching to
engage students’ interest _{A A A}

e) Help students appreciate
the value of learning
mathematics _{A A A}

20

In teaching mathematics to this class, how often do you usually ask students to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

About half the lessons

Some lessons

Never

a) Listen to me explain how to
solve problems _{A A A A}

b) Memorize rules, procedures,
and facts _{A A A A}

c) Work problems (individually or
with peers) with my guidance _{A A A A}

d) Work problems together in the
whole class with direct
guidance from me _{A A A A}

e) Work problems (individually or
with peers) while I am occupied
by other tasks _{A A A A}

f) Explain their answers _{A A A A}

g) Relate what they are
learning in mathematics
to their daily life _{A A A A}

h) Take a written test or quiz _{A A A A}

Resources for Teaching Mathematics

^{Questions 21-23 ask about resources for teaching mathematics to the fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.}

21

When you teach mathematics to this class, how
do you use the following resources?

Check one circle for each line.

Basis for instruction

Supplement

Not used

a) Textbooks _{A A A}

b) Workbooks or
worksheets _{A A A}

c) Concrete objects or
materials that help
students understand
quantities or procedures _{A A A}

d) Computer software for
mathematics instruction _{A A A}

22

Are the students in this class permitted to use calculators during mathematics lessons?

Check one circle only.

Yes, with unrestricted use _A

Yes, with restricted use _A

No, calculators are not permitted _A

23

A. Do the students in this class have computer(s) available to use during their mathematics lessons?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to #24)

If Yes,

B. Do any of the computer(s) have access to the Internet?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

C. How often do you have the students do the following computer activities?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every day

Once or twice a week

Once or twice a
month

Never or
almost never

a) Look up ideas and
information _{A A A A}

b) Use instructional software
to develop and practice
skills and procedures _{A A A A}

Mathematics Topics Taught

Questions 24-25 ask about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching mathematics to the
fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

24

The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS mathematics test. Choose the response that best describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before the fourth grade, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not yet completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet taught or just introduced.”

Check one circle for each line.

Mostly taught before this year

Mostly taught this year

Not yet taught or just introduced

A. Number

a) Concepts of whole numbers, including place value and ordering _{A A A}

b) Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and/or dividing with whole numbers _{A A A}

c) Concepts of fractions (fractions as parts of a whole or of a collection, or as a location on a number line;
comparing and ordering fractions) _{A A A}

d) Adding and subtracting with fractions _{A A A}

e) Concepts of decimals, including place value and ordering _{A A A}

f) Adding and subtracting with decimals _{A A A}

g) Number sentences (finding the missing number, modeling simple situations with number sentences) _{A A A}

h) Number patterns (extending number patterns and finding missing terms) _{A A A}

B. Geometric Shapes and Measures

a) Lines: measuring, estimating length of; parallel and perpendicular lines _{A A A}

b) Comparing and drawing angles _{A A A}

c) Using informal coordinate systems to locate points in a plane (e.g., in square B4) _{A A A}

d) Elementary properties of common geometric shapes _{A A A}

e) Reflections and rotations _{A A A}

f) Relationships between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes _{A A A}

g) Finding and estimating areas, perimeters and volumes _{A A A}

C. Data Display

a) Reading data from tables, pictographs, bar graphs, or pie charts _{A A A}

b) Drawing conclusions from data displays _{A A A}

c) Displaying data using tables, pictographs, and bar graphs _{A A A}

Mathematics Content Coverage

Mathematics Homework

25

By the end of this school year, approximately what percentage of teaching time will you have spent during this school year on each of the following mathematics content areas for the students in this class?

Write in the percentage for each.

a) Number (includes computation with
whole numbers, fractions, decimals
and pre-algebraic concepts, including
number patterns ) _____%

b) Geometric Shapes and Measures
(includes two- and three-dimensional
shapes, length, area and volume) _____%

c) Data Display (includes reading, making,
and interpreting tables and graphs) _____%

d) Other, please specify:

_________________________ _____%

Total = 100%

^{Question 26 asks about mathematics homework for the fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.}

26

A. How often do you usually assign mathematics
homework to the students in this class?

Check one circle only.

I do not assign mathematics
homework _A

(Go to #10)

Less than once a week _A

1 or 2 times a week _A

3 or 4 times a week _A

Every day _A

B. When you assign mathematics homework to the students in this class, about how many minutes do you usually assign? (Consider the time it would take an average student in your class.)

Check one circle only.

15 minutes or less _A

16-30 minutes _A

31-60 minutes _A

more than 60 minutes _A

C. How often do you do the following with the mathematics homework assignments for this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

Sometimes

Never or almost
Never

a) Correct assignments and
give feedback to students _{A A A}

b) Discuss the homework
in class _{A A A}

c) Monitor whether or not the
homework was completed _{A A A}

Mathematics Assessment

Preparation to Teach Mathematics

^{Question 27 asks about mathematics assessment for the fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.}

27

How much emphasis do you place on the following sources to monitor students’ progress in mathematics?

Check one circle for each line.

Major emphasis

Some emphasis

Little or no emphasis

a) Evaluation of students’
ongoing work _{A A A}

b) Classroom tests (for
example, teacher made or
textbook tests) _{A A A}

c) State or district
achievement tests _{A A A}

28

In the past two years, have you participated
in professional development in any of the
following?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Mathematics content _{A A}

b) Mathematics pedagogy/instruction _{A A}

c) Mathematics curriculum _{A A}

d) Integrating information technology
into mathematics _{A A}

e) Mathematics assessment _{A A}

f) Addressing individual students’ needs _{A A}

29

How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following mathematics topics?
If a topic is not in the fourth-grade curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic you may check “not applicable.”

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

Very well prepared

Somewhat
prepared

Not well
prepared

A. Number

a) Concepts of whole numbers, including place value and ordering _{A A A A}

b) Adding, subtracting, multiplying and/or dividing with whole numbers _{A A A A}

c) Concepts of fractions (fractions as parts of a whole or of a collection, or as a location on a number line;
comparing and ordering fractions) _{A A A A}

d) Adding and subtracting with fractions _{A A A A}

e) Concepts of decimals, including place value and ordering _{A A A A}

f) Adding and subtracting with decimals _{A A A A}

g) Number sentences (finding the missing number, modeling simple situations with number sentences) _{A A A A}

h) Number patterns (extending number patterns and finding missing terms) _{A A A A}

B. Geometric Shapes and Measures

a) Lines: measuring, estimating length of; parallel and perpendicular lines _{A A A A}

b) Comparing and drawing angles _{A A A A}

c) Using informal coordinate systems to locate points in a plane (e.g., in square B4) _{A A A A}

d) Elementary properties of common geometric shapes _{A A A A}

e) Reflections and rotations _{A A A A}

f) Relationships between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes _{A A A A}

g) Finding and estimating areas, perimeters and volumes _{A A A A}

C. Data Display

a) Reading data from tables, pictographs, bar graphs, or pie charts _{A A A A}

b) Drawing conclusions from data displays _{A A A A}

c) Displaying data using tables, pictographs, and bar graphs _{A A A A}

Teaching Science to the
TIMSS Class

^{Questions 30-32 ask about science instruction for the fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.}

30

Is science taught mainly as a separate subject (i.e., not integrated with other subjects) to the students in this class?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

A. If Yes,

How much time do you spend teaching science to the students in this class?

__________hours and __________minutes per week

Write in the hours and minutes.

B. If No,

Please estimate the time that you spend on science topics with students in this class.

__________hours and __________minutes per week

Write in the hours and minutes.

31

In teaching science to this class, how confident do you feel to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Very confident

Somewhat confident

Not confident

a) Answer students’ questions
about science _{A A A}

b) Explain science concepts
or principles by doing
science experiments _{A A A}

c) Provide challenging tasks
for capable students _{A A A}

d) Adapt my teaching to
engage students’ interest _{A A A}

e) Help students appreciate
the value of learning
science _{A A A}

Resources for Teaching Science

32

In teaching science to the students in this class, how often do you usually ask them to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

About half the lessons

Some lessons

Never

a) Observe natural phenomena
such as the weather or a
plant growing and describe
what they see _{A A A A}

b) Watch me demonstrate an
experiment or investigation _{A A A A}

c) Design or plan experiments
or investigations _{A A A A}

d) Conduct experiments or
investigations _{A A A A}

e) Read their textbooks or
other resource materials _{A A A A}

f) Have students memorize
facts and principles _{A A A A}

g) Give explanations about
something they are
studying _{A A A A}

h) Relate what they are
learning in science to
their daily lives _{A A A A}

i) Do field work outside the class _{A A A A}

j) Take a written test or quiz _{A A A A}

^{Questions 33-34 ask about resources for teaching science to the fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.}

33

When you teach science to this class, how do you use the following resources?

Check one circle for each line.

Basis for instruction

Supplement

Not used

a) Textbooks _{A A A}

b) Workbooks or
worksheets _{A A A}

c) Science equipment and
materials _{A A A}

d) Computer software for
science instruction _{A A A}

e) Reference materials
(e.g., encyclopedia, dictionary) _{A A A}

34

A. Do the students in this class have computer(s) available to use when you are teaching science?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to #6)

If Yes,

B. Do any of the computer(s) have access to the Internet?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

C. How often do you have the students do the following computer activities?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every day

Once or twice a week

Once or twice a
month

Never or
almost never

a) Look up ideas and
information _{A A A A}

b) Use instructional software
to develop and practice
skills and procedures _{A A A A}

Science Topics Taught

Questions 35-36 ask about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching science to the
fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

35

The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS science test. Choose the response that best describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before the fourth grade, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not yet completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet taught or just introduced.”

Check one circle for each line.

Mostly taught before this year

Mostly taught this year

Not yet taught or
just introduced

A. Life Science

a) Major body structures and their functions in humans and other organisms (plants and animals) _{A A A}

b) Life cycles and reproduction in plants and animals _{A A A}

c) Physical features, behavior, and survival of organisms living in different environments _{A A A}

d) Relationships in a given community (e.g., simple food chains, predator-prey relationships) _{A A A}

e) Changes in environments (effects of human activity, pollution and its prevention) _{A A A}

f) Human health (e.g., transmission/prevention of communicable diseases, signs of health/illness, diet, exercise) _{A A A}

B. Physical Science

a) States of matter (solids, liquids, gases) and differences in their physical properties (shape, volume),
including changes in state of matter by heating and cooling _{A A A}

b) Classification of objects/materials based on physical properties (e.g., weight/mass, volume, magnetic attraction) _{A A A}

c) Forming and separating mixtures _{A A A}

d) Familiar changes in materials (e.g., decaying, burning, rusting, cooking) _{A A A}

e) Common energy sources/forms and their practical uses (e.g., the Sun, electricity, water, wind) _{A A A}

f) Light (e.g., sources, behavior) _{A A A}

g) Electrical circuits and properties of magnets _{A A A}

h) Forces that cause objects to move (e.g., gravity, push/pull forces) _{A A A}

C. Earth Science

a) Water on Earth (location, types, and movement) and air (composition, proof of its existence, uses) _{A A A}

b) Common features of Earth’s landscape (e.g., mountains, plains, rivers, deserts) and relationship
to human use (e.g., farming, irrigation, land development) _{A A A}

c) Weather conditions from day to day or over the seasons _{A A A}

d) Fossils of animals and plants (age, location, formation) _{A A A}

e) Earth’s solar system (planets, Sun, moon) _{A A A}

f) Day, night, and shadows due to Earth’s rotation and its relationship to the Sun _{A A A}

Science Content Coverage

Science Homework

36

By the end of this school year, approximately what percentage of teaching time will you have spent during this school year on each of the following science content areas for the students in this class?

Write in the percentage for each.

a) Life science (includes
environmental issues) _____%

b) Physical science (includes
topics in physics and chemistry) _____%

c) Earth science (includes Earth and
the solar system) _____%

d) Other, please specify:

_________________________ _____%

Total = 100%

^{Question 37 asks about science homework for the fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.}

37

A. How often do you usually assign science
homework to the students in this class?

Check one circle only.

I do not assign science
homework _A

(Go to #9)

Less than once a week _A

1 or 2 times a week _A

3 or 4 times a week _A

Every day _A

B. When you assign science homework to the students in this class, about how many minutes do you usually assign? (Consider the time it would take an average student in your class.)

Check one circle only.

15 minutes or less _A

16-30 minutes _A

31-60 minutes _A

more than 60 minutes _A

C. How often do you do the following with the science homework assignments for this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

Sometimes

Never or almost
Never

a) Correct assignments and
give feedback to students _{A A A}

b) Discuss the homework
in class _{A A A}

c) Monitor whether or not the
homework was completed _{A A A}

Science Assessment

Preparation to Teach Science

^{Question 38 asks about science assessment for the fourth-grade students in the TIMSS class.}

38

How much emphasis do you place on the following sources to monitor students’ progress in science?

Check one circle for each line.

Major emphasis

Some emphasis

Little or no emphasis

a) Evaluation of students’
ongoing work _{A A A}

b) Classroom tests (for
example, teacher made or
textbook tests) _{A A A}

c) National or regional
achievement tests _{A A A}

39

In the past two years, have you participated in professional development in any of the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Science content _{A A}

b) Science pedagogy/instruction _{A A}

c) Science curriculum _{A A}

d) Integrating information technology
into science _{A A}

e) Science assessment _{A A}

f) Addressing individual students’ needs _{A A}

40

How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following science topics?
If a topic is not in the fourth-grade curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic you may check “not applicable.”

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

Very well prepared

Somewhat
prepared

Not well
prepared

A. Life Science

a) Major body structures and their functions in humans and other organisms (plants and animals) _{A A A A}

b) Life cycles and reproduction in plants and animals _{A A A A}

c) Physical features, behavior, and survival of organisms living in different environments _{A A A A}

d) Relationships in a given community (e.g., simple food chains, predator-prey relationships) _{A A A A}

e) Changes in environments (effects of human activity, pollution and its prevention) _{A A A A}

f) Human health (e.g., transmission/prevention of communicable diseases, signs of health/illness, diet, exercise) _{A A A A}

B. Physical Science

a) States of matter (solids, liquids, gases) and differences in their physical properties (shape, volume),
including changes in state of matter by heating and cooling _{A A A A}

b) Classification of objects/materials based on physical properties (e.g., weight/mass, volume,
magnetic attraction) _{A A A A}

c) Forming and separating mixtures _{A A A A}

d) Familiar changes in materials (e.g., decaying, burning, rusting, cooking) _{A A A A}

e) Common energy sources/forms and their practical uses (e.g., the Sun, electricity, water, wind) _{A A A A}

f) Light (e.g., sources, behavior) _{A A A A}

g) Electrical circuits and properties of magnets _{A A A A}

h) Forces that cause objects to move (e.g., gravity, push/pull forces) _{A A A A}

C. Earth Science

a) Water on Earth (location, types, and movement) and air (composition, proof of its existence, uses) _{A A A A}

b) Common features of Earth’s landscape (e.g., mountains, plains, rivers, deserts) and relationship
to human use (e.g., farming, irrigation, land development) _{A A A A}

c) Weather conditions from day to day or over the seasons _{A A A A}

d) Fossils of animals and plants (age, location, formation) _{A A A A}

e) Earth’s solar system (planets, Sun, moon) _{A A A A}

f) Day, night, and shadows due to Earth’s rotation and its relationship to the Sun _{A A A A}

Grade 8

School Questionnaire

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS 2011 (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), an educational research project sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures trends in student achievement in mathematics and science, and studies differences in national education systems in more than 60 countries in order to help improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to school principals and department heads who are asked to supply information about their schools. Since your school has been selected as part of a nationwide sample, your responses are very important in helping to describe secondary education in the United States.

It is important that you answer each question carefully so that the information provided reflects the situation in your school as accurately as possible. Some of the questions will require that you look up school records, so you may wish to arrange for the assistance of another staff member to help provide this information.

Since TIMSS is an international study and all countries are using the same questionnaire, you may find that some of the questions seem unusual or are not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United States. Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to answer all of the questions so comparisons can be made across countries in the study.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 30 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We appreciate the time and effort that this takes and thank you for your cooperation and contribution.

When you have completed the questionnaire, please place it in the accompanying envelope and return it to the school coordinator.

Thank you.

TIMSS 2011

School Enrollment and Characteristics

1

What is the total enrollment of students in your school as of March 1, 2010?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

2

What is the total enrollment of eighth-grade students in your school as of March 1, 2010?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

3

Approximately what percentage of students in your school have the following backgrounds?

Check one circle for each line.

0 to 10%

11 to 25%

26 to 50%

More than
50%

a) Come from economically
disadvantaged homes _{A A A A}

b) Come from economically
affluent homes _{A A A A}

4

Around the first of October 2010 what percentage of students at this school were eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program?

_________ percentage of students

5

A. Which best describes the immediate area in which your school is located?

Check one circle only.

Urban–Densely populated _A

Suburban–On fringe or
outskirts of urban area _A

Medium size city or large town _A

Small town or village _A

Remote rural _A

B. Which best characterizes the average income level of the school’s immediate area?

Check one circle only.

High _A

Medium _A

Low _A

6

What type of school is this?

Check one circle only.

1. Regular public middle school _A

2. A regular public school with a magnet program _A

3. A magnet school or school with a special program emphasis

(e.g ., science/math school, performing arts school, talented/gifted school,

foreign language immersion school, etc.) _A

4. Special education: a school that primarily serves students with disabilities _A

5. Alternative: a school that offers a curriculum designed to provide alternative or

nontraditional education, not clearly categorized as regular or special education _A

7

1. Approximately what percentage of students in your school have English as their native language?

Check one circle only.

More than 90% _A

76 to 90% _A

51 to 75% _A

26 to 50% _A

25% or less _A

B. Of the students currently enrolled in your school, what percentage has been identified as limited-English proficient (LEP)/English language learners (ELL)?

Check one circle only.

0% _A

1 to 5% _A

6 to 10% _A

11 to 25% _A

26 to 50% _A

51 to 75% _A

76 to 90% _A

Over 90% _A

Instructional Time

Resources and Technology

8

For the eighth-grade students in your school:

A. How many days per year is your school open for instruction?

__________days

Write in the number.

B. What is the total instructional time, excluding breaks, in a typical day?

_________hours and __________minutes

Write in the number of hours and minutes.

C. In one calendar week, how many days is the school open for instruction?

Check one circle only.

6 days _A

5 1/2 days _A

5 days _A

4 1/2 days _A

4 days _A

Other _A

Please specify

9

What is the total number of computers that can be used for instructional purposes by eighth-grade students?

___________computers

Write in the number.

10

A. Does your school have a science laboratory that can be used by eighth-grade students?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

B. Do teachers usually have assistance available when students are conducting science experiments?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

11

Is anyone available to help your teachers use information and communication technology for teaching and learning?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

12

How much is your school’s capacity to provide instruction affected by a shortage or inadequacy of the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

A little

Some

A lot

A. General School Resources

a) Second language teachers _{A A A A}

b) Instructional materials (e.g.,
textbooks) _{A A A A}

c) Supplies (e.g., papers,
pencils) _{A A A A}

d) School buildings and
grounds _{A A A A}

e) Heating/cooling and lighting
systems _{A A A A}

f) Instructional space (e.g.,
classrooms) _{A A A A}

g) Technologically competent
staff _{A A A A}

h) Special equipment for
physically disabled students _{A A A A}

B. Resources for Mathematics
Instruction

a) Teachers with a specialization
in mathematics _{A A A A}

b) Computers for mathematics
instruction _{A A A A}

c) Computer software for
mathematics instruction _{A A A A}

d) Library materials relevant
to mathematics instruction _{A A A A}

e) Audio-visual resources for
mathematics instruction _{A A A A}

f) Calculators for mathematics
instruction _{A A A A}

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

A little

Some

A lot

C. Resources for Science
Instruction

a) Teachers with a
specialization in science _{A A A A}

b) Computers for science
instruction _{A A A A}

c) Computer software for
science instruction _{A A A A}

d) Library materials relevant
to science instruction _{A A A A}

e) Audio-visual resources for
science instruction _{A A A A}

f) Calculators for science
instruction _{A A A A}

g) Science equipment and
materials _{A A A A}

Involving Parents in Your School

13

A. How often does your school do the following for parents concerning individual students?

Check one circle for each line.

Never

Once a year

2-3 times a year

More than 3 times a year

a) Inform parents about their
child’s learning progress _{A A A A}

b) Inform parents about the behavior and well-being of
their child at school _{A A A A}

c) Discuss parents’ concerns or wishes about their child’s
learning _{A A A A}

d) Support individual parents in helping their child with
schoolwork _{A A A A}

B. How often does your school ask parents to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Never

Once a year

2-3 times a year

More than 3 times a year

a) Ask parents to raise funds
for the school _{A A A A}

b) Ask parents to volunteer for school projects, programs,
and trips _{A A A A}

c) Ask parents to serve on
school committees _{A A A A}

C. How often does your school do the following for parents in general?

Check one circle for each line.

Never

Once a year

2-3 times a year

More than 3 times a year

a) Inform parents about the
overall academic achievement
of the school (e.g., results of
national tests, results of
inspections of learning) _{A A A A}

b) Inform parents about school
accomplishments (e.g.,
tournament results, facility
improvements) _{A A A A}

c) Inform parents about the
educational goals and
pedagogic principles of
the school _{A A A A}

d) Inform parents about the
rules of the school _{A A A A}

e) Discuss parents’ concerns or
wishes about the school’s
organization (e.g., rules and
regulations, time tables,
safety measures) _{A A A A}

f) Provide parents with
additional learning materials
(e.g., books, computer
software) for their child to
use at home _{A A A A}

g) Organize workshops or
seminars for parents on
learning or pedagogical
issues _{A A A A}

School Climate

14

How would you characterize each of the following within your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Very high

High

Medium

Low

Very low

a) Teachers’ job
satisfaction _{A A A A A}

b) Teachers’ understanding
of the school’s curricular
goals _{A A A A A}

c) Teachers’ degree of success in implementing
the school’s curriculum _{A A A A A}

d) Teachers’ expectations for student
achievement _{A A A A A}

e) Parental support for
student achievement _{A A A A A}

f) Parental involvement
in school activities _{A A A A A}

g) Students’ regard for
school property _{A A A A A}

h) Students’ desire to do
well in school _{A A A A A}

15

A. To what degree is each of the following a problem among eighth-grade students in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Minor problem

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) Arriving late at school _{A A A A}

b) Absenteeism (i.e.,
unjustified absences) _{A A A A}

c) Classroom disturbance _{A A A A}

d) Cheating _{A A A A}

e) Profanity _{A A A A}

f) Vandalism _{A A A A}

g) Theft _{A A A A}

h) Intimidation or verbal abuse among students (including
texting, emailing, etc.) _{A A A A}

i) Physical injury to other
students _{A A A A}

j) Intimidation or verbal abuse of teachers or staff (including
texting, emailing, etc.) _{A A A A}

k) Physical injury to teachers
or staff _{A A A A}

B. To what degree is each of the following a problem among teachers in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Minor problem

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) Arriving late or leaving early _{A A A A}

b) Absenteeism _{A A A A}

Teachers in Your School

16

In your school, are any of the following used to evaluate the practice of eighth-grade mathematics teachers?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Observations by the
principal or senior staff _{A A}

b) Observations by inspectors
or other persons external
to the school _{A A}

c) Student achievement _{A A}

d) Teacher peer review _{A A}

17

In your school, are any of the following used to evaluate the practice of eighth-grade science teachers?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Observations by the
principal or senior staff _{A A}

b) Observations by inspectors
or other persons external
to the school _{A A}

c) Student achievement _{A A}

d) Teacher peer review _{A A}

18

Do eighth-grade teachers in your school have an opportunity to participate in a mentoring program?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

19

How difficult was it to fill eighth-grade teaching vacancies for this school year for the following subjects?

Check one circle for each line.

Were no vacancies in this subject

Easy to fill vacancies

Somewhat difficult

Very
difficult

a) Mathematics _{A A A A}

b) Science _{A A A A}

20

Does your school currently use any incentives (e.g., pay, housing, signing bonus, smaller classes) to recruit or retain eighth-grade teachers in the following fields?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Mathematics _{A A}

b) Science _{A A}

c) Other _{A A}

Leadership Activities

19

During the past year, approximately how much time have you spent on the following school leadership activities in your role as a school principal?

Check one circle for each line.

No time

Some time

A lot of time

a) Promoting the school’s
educational vision or goals _{A A A}

b) Developing the school’s curricular and educational
goals _{A A A}

c) Monitoring teachers’ implementation of the school’s educational goals
in their teaching _{A A A}

d) Monitoring students’ learning progress to ensure that the school’s educational
goals are reached _{A A A}

e) Teaching some classes to understand your students
and their problems _{A A A}

f) Keeping an orderly
atmosphere in the school _{A A A}

g) Ensuring that there are clear
rules for student behavior _{A A A}

h) Addressing disruptive
student behavior _{A A A}

i) Creating a climate of trust
among teachers _{A A A}

j) Initiating a discussion to help teachers who have problems
in the classroom _{A A A}

k) Advising teachers who have questions or problems with
their teaching _{A A A}

l) Visiting other schools or attending educational
conferences for new ideas _{A A A}

m) Initiating educational
projects or improvements _{A A A}

n) Participating in professional development activities
specifically for school principals _{A A A}

Thank You

Thank you for the thought, time, and effort you have put into completing this questionnaire.

TIMSS 2011

Grade 8

Directions

In this booklet, you will find questions about you and what you think. For each question, you should choose the answer you think is best.

Let us take a few minutes to practice the kinds of questions you will answer in this booklet.

Example 1 is one kind of question you will find in this booklet.

Example 1

Do you go to school?

Fill one circle only.

Yes --A

No – A

Example 2 is another kind of question you will find in this booklet.

Example 2

How often do you do these things?

Fill one circle for each line.

a) I listen to music -------------------------- A A A A

b) I talk with my friends ------------------ A A A A

c) I play sports ------------------------------- A A A A

Example 3 is another kind of question you will find in this booklet.

Example 3

^{About you}

1

7. Are you a girl or a boy?

Fill one circle only.

Girl _A

Boy _A

8. Are you a Hispanic or Latino?

Fill one or more circles

No, I am not Hispanic or Latino - _A

Yes, I am Mexican, Mexican American, or Chicano ---------------_A

Yes, I am Puerto Rican or Puerto Rican American--------------- _A

Yes, I am Cuban or Cuban American ----------------------------------_A

Yes, I am from some other Hispanic or Latino background-----_A

9. Which of the following best describes you?

Fill one or more circles

White ----------_A

Black or African American ----------_A

Asian ----------_A

American Indian or Alaska Native --------- -_A

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander ----------_A

2

When were you born?

Fill the circles next to the month and year you were born.

a) Month b) Year

January _A 1997 _A

February _A 1998 _A

March _A 1999 _A

April _A 2000 _A

May _A 2001 _A

June _A 2002 _A

July _A 2003 _A

August _A Other _A

September _A

October _A

November _A

December _A

3

5. How often do you speak English at home?

Fill one circle only.

I always or almost always
speak English at home _A

I sometimes speak English and sometimes speak
another language at home _A

I never speak English at home _A

6. What language do you speak at home (other than English)?

Fill one circle only.

Spanish _A

Other _A

4

7. Was your mother born in the United States? (“United States” includes the 50 states, its territories, the District of Columbia, and U.S. military bases abroad.)

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{I don’t know A}

8. Was your stepmother or female legal guardian born in the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{I don’t have a stepmother or legal guardian A}

_{I don’t know A}

9. Was your father born in the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{I don’t know A}

D. Was your stepfather or male legal guardian born in the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{I don’t have a stepmother or legal guardian A}

_{I don’t know A}

5

5. Were you born in the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

6. If you were not born in the United States, how old were you when you came to the United States?

Fill one circle only.

Older than 5 years old ----------- _A

1 to 5 years old ----------- _A

Younger than 1 year old---------- _A

6

How many days were you absent from school in the last month?

Fill one circle only.

None ----------- _A

1 or 2 days ----------- _A

3 or 4 days ---------- _A

5 to 10 days---------- _A

More than 10 days---------- _A

7

Have you ever repeated a grade?

Fill one circle for each line.

No Yes

a) In elementary school _{A A}

b) In middle or junior high school _{A A}

8

The next question asks about people you live with. If you live in more than one place, answer the question about the place that is your home most of the time.

Fill one circle for each line.

Yes No

a) Does your mother live at home with you? --------------------------------- _{A A}

b) Does your stepmother or legal guardian live at home with you? -- _{A A}

c) Does your father live at home with you? ----------------------------------- _{A A}

d) Does your stepfather or legal guardian live at home with you?---- _{A A}

e) How many brothers or sisters live with you? --------------------------- _{A A}

f) Does your grandmother or grandfather live at home with you? --- _{A A}

g) How many OTHER family members live at home with you? -------------- _________

h) How many people live at home with you who are not part of your family? _________

9

About how many books are there in your home? (Do not count magazines, newspapers, or your school books.)

Fill one circle only.

None or very few
(0-10 books) _A

Enough to fill one shelf
(11-25 books) _A

Enough to fill one bookcase
(26-100 books) _A

Enough to fill two bookcases
(101-200 books) _A

Enough to fill three or more bookcases
(more than 200) _A

10

Do you have any of these things at your home?

Fill one circle for each line.

Yes No

a) Computer _{A A}

b) Study desk/table for your use _{A A}

c) Books of your very own (do not
count your school books) _{A A}

d) Your own room _{A A}

e) Internet connection _{A A}

f) Encyclopedia (a book or CD) _{A A}

g) PlayStation, Game Cube, Xbox,

or other TV/Video Game _{A A}

h) VCR or DVD Player _{A A}

i) Three vehicles (such as a car,

small truck or sport utility vehicle) _{A A}

11

A. What is the highest level of education completed by your mother (or stepmother or female legal guardian)?

Fill one circle only.

Some elementary or junior high/ middle school _A

Completed junior high/middle school _A

Some high school _A

Completed high school _A

Completed a vocational/technical certificate after high school _A

Completed an Associate's degree (AA) in vocational/technical program _A

Completed a 2-year or 4-year college or university degree

(i.e.,Associates's or Bachelor's degree) _A

Completed an academic Master's degree, teaching certificate program,

or first professional degree (e.g., law, medicine, dentistry) or higher _A

I don’t know _A

B. What is the highest level of education completed by your father (or stepfather or male legal guardian)?

Fill one circle only.

Some elementary or junior high/ middle school _A

Completed junior high/middle school _A

Some high school _A

Completed high school _A

Completed a vocational/technical certificate after high school _A

Completed an Associate's degree (AA) in vocational/technical program _A

Completed a 2-year or 4-year college or university degree

(i.e.,Associates's or Bachelor's degree) _A

Completed an academic Master's degree, teaching certificate program,

or first professional degree (e.g., law, medicine, dentistry) or higher _A

I don’t know _A

12

How far in your education do you expect to go?

Fill one circle only.

Finish junior high/middle school _A

Finish high school _A

Finish a vocational/technical certificate after high school _A

Finish an Associate's degree (AA) in a vocational/technical program _A

Complete a 2-year or 4-year college or university degree

(i.e., Associate's or Bachelor's degree) _A

Beyond a bachelor's degree _A

I don’t know _A

13

A. Do you ever use a computer?

Fill one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

_{(If No, go to question 14)}

B. How often do you use a computer in each of these places?

Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or
or almost twice a twice a almost
every day week month never

a) At home _{A A A A}

b) At school _{A A A A}

c) Some other place _{A A A A}

C. How often do you use a computer to do these things?

Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or
or almost twice a twice a almost
every day week month never

a) Look up information for school _{A A A A}

b) Look up information on a topic
you like (e.g., your favorite athlete,
animals you like, or places
you have traveled to) _{A A A A}

c) Exchange information about
schoolwork online (e.g., getting
homework, asking for help,
discussion boards) _{A A A A}

14

How often do the following things happen at home?

Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once Once Never
or almost or twice or twice or almost
every day a week a month never

a) I talk about my schoolwork with
my parents _{A A A A}

b) My parents help me with my
schoolwork _{A A A A}

c) My parents make sure that I set
aside time for my homework _{A A A A}

d) My parents ask me what I learned
in school _{A A A A}

e) My parents check if I do
my homework _{A A A A}

f) My parents help me practice
my math skills _{A A A A}

g) My parents help me practice
my science skills _{A A A A}

h) I talk with my parents about
what I am reading _{A A A A}

i) My parents like to know where
I am after school _{A A A A}

^{Your School}

15

What do you think about your school? Tell how much you agree with these statements.

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I like being in school _{A A A A}

b) I feel safe when I am at school _{A A A A}

c) I feel like I belong at this school _{A A A A}

16

During this year, how often have any of the following things happened to you at school?

Fill one circle for each line.

At least Once or A few
once a twice times
week a month a year Never

a) I was made fun of or called names _{A A A A}

b) I was left out of games or activities
by other students _{A A A A}

c) Someone spread lies about me _{A A A A}

d) Something was stolen from me _{A A A A}

e) I was hit or hurt by other student(s)
(e.g., shoving, hitting, kicking) _{A A A A}

f) I was made to do things I didn’t
want to do by other students _{A A A A}

17

What do you think about the teachers and students in your school? Tell how much you agree with these statements.

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I think that students in my school
try to do their best _{A A A A}

b) I think that teachers in my school
want students to do their best _{A A A A}

c) I think that students in my school
are not interested in learning _{A A A A}

d) I think that teachers in my school
listen to what students have
to say _{A A A A}

e) I think that students in my school
work hard on their schoolwork _{A A A A}

f) I think that teachers in my school
understand that some students
have difficulty in learning _{A A A A}

g) I think that students in my school
pay attention in class _{A A A A}

h) I think that teachers in my school
make an extra effort to help
students _{A A A A}

i) I think that students in my school
feel that they can ask teachers for
extra help _{A A A A}

j) I think that teachers in my school
care about all students _{A A A A}

^{Mathematics in School}

18

How much do you agree with these statements about
learning mathematics?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I enjoy learning mathematics _{A A A A}

b) I wish I did not have to
study mathematics _{A A A A}

c) Mathematics is boring _{A A A A}

d) I learn many interesting
things in mathematics _{A A A A}

e) I like mathematics _{A A A A}

f) Learning mathematics takes
hard work _{A A A A}

g) It is important to do well
in mathematics _{A A A A}

19

How much do you agree with these statements about
your mathematics lessons?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I know what my teacher
expects me to do _{A A A A}

b) I have difficulty paying attention _{A A A A}

c) I think of things not related to
the lesson _{A A A A}

d) My teacher is easy to understand _{A A A A}

e) I am interested in what my
teacher says _{A A A A}

f) My teacher gives me interesting
things to do _{A A A A}

20

How much do you agree with these statements about mathematics?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I usually do well in mathematics _{A A A A}

b) Mathematics is more difficult
for me than for many of
my classmates _{A A A A}

c) Mathematics is not one of
my strengths _{A A A A}

d) I learn things quickly
in mathematics _{A A A A}

e) Mathematics makes me confused
and nervous _{A A A A}

f) I am good at working out
difficult mathematics problems _{A A A A}

g) My teacher thinks I can do well in
mathematics classes with

difficult materials _{A A A A}

h) My teacher tells me I am good at
mathematics _{A A A A}

i) Mathematics is harder for me
than any other subject _{A A A A}

j) I keep working on mathematics
problems until I am finished _{A A A A}

20 ^(continued)

How much do you agree with these statements about
mathematics?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

k) I think learning mathematics will
help me in my daily life _{A A A A}

l) I need mathematics to learn other
school subjects _{A A A A}

m) I need to do well in mathematics
to get into the college or university of
my choice _{A A A A}

n) I need to do well in mathematics
to get the job I want _{A A A A}

o) I would like a job that involved
using mathematics _{A A A A}

^{Science in School}

21

How much do you agree with these statements about
learning science?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I enjoy learning science _{A A A A}

b) I wish I did not have to study
science _{A A A A}

c) I read about science in my
spare time _{A A A A}

d) Science is boring _{A A A A}

e) I learn many interesting
things in science _{A A A A}

f) I like science _{A A A A}

g) Learning science takes
hard work _{A A A A}

h) It is important to do well in
science _{A A A A}

22

How much do you agree with these statements about
your science lessons?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I know what my teacher
expects me to do _{A A A A}

b) I have difficulty paying attention _{A A A A}

c) I think of things not related to
the lesson _{A A A A}

d) My teacher is easy to understand _{A A A A}

e) I am interested in what my
teacher says _{A A A A}

f) My teacher gives me interesting
things to do _{A A A A}

23

How much do you agree with these statements about
science?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

a) I usually do well in science _{A A A A}

b) Science is more difficult for me
than for many of my classmates _{A A A A}

c) Science is not one of
my strengths _{A A A A}

d) I learn things quickly
in science _{A A A A}

e) Science makes me confused
and nervous _{A A A A}

f) I am good at working out
difficult science problems _{A A A A}

g) My teacher thinks I can do

well in science classes with

difficult materials _{A A A A}

h) My teacher tells me I am good
at science _{A A A A}

i) Science is harder for me than
any other subject _{A A A A}

j) I keep working on science
problems until I am finished _{A A A A}

23 ^(continued)

How much do you agree with these statements about
science?

Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
a lot a little a little a lot

k) I think learning science will help
me in my daily life _{A A A A}

l) I need science to learn other
school subjects _{A A A A}

m) I need to do well in science to get
into the college or university of

my choice _{A A A A}

n) I need to do well in science to get
the job I want _{A A A A}

o) I would like a job that involved
using science _{A A A A}

^Homework

24

A. How often does your teacher give you homework in mathematics?

Fill one circle only.

Every day _A

3 or 4 times a week _A

1 or 2 times a week _A

Less than once a week _A

Never _A

B. When your teacher gives you mathematics homework, about how many minutes do you usually spend on your homework?

Fill one circle only.

My teacher never gives me
homework in mathematics _A

1 - 15 minutes _A

16–30 minutes _A

31–60 minutes _A

61–90 minutes _A

More than 90 minutes _A

22

A. How often does your teacher give you homework in science?

Fill one circle only.

Every day _A

3 or 4 times a week _A

1 or 2 times a week _A

Less than once a week _A

Never _A

B. When your teacher gives you science homework, about how many minutes do you usually spend on your homework?

Fill one circle only.

My teacher never gives me
homework in science _A

1 - 15 minutes _A

16–30 minutes _A

31–60 minutes _A

61–90 minutes _A

More than 90 minutes _A

Thank You!

Thank you for filling out the questionnaire!

TIMSS 2011

Teacher Questionnaire

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS 2011 (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), an educational research project sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures trends in student achievement in mathematics and science and studies differences in national education systems in more than 60 countries in order to help improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to teachers of eighth-grade students, and seeks information about teachers’ academic and professional backgrounds, classroom resources, instructional practices, and attitudes toward teaching. Since your class has been selected as part of a nationwide sample, your responses are very important in helping to describe eighth-grade education in the United States.

.

Some of the questions in the questionnaire refer to the “TIMSS class” or “this class”. This is the class that is identified on the front of this booklet, and which will be tested as part of TIMSS in your school. If you teach some but not all of the students in the TIMSS class, please think only of the students that you teach when answering these class-specific questions. It is important that you answer each question carefully so that the information that you provide reflects your situation as accurately as possible.

Since TIMSS is an international study and all countries are using the same questionnaire, you may find that some of the questions seem unusual or are not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United States. Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to answer all of the questions so comparisons can be made across countries in the studies.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 45 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We appreciate the time and effort that this takes and thank you for your cooperation and contribution. When you have completed the questionnaire, please place it in the accompanying envelope and return it to the TIMSS school coordinator.

Thank you.

TIMSS 2011

About You

1

By the end of this school year, how many years will you have been teaching altogether?

_____________ years

Please round to the nearest whole number.

2

Are you female or male?

Check one circle only.

Female _A

Male _A

3

How old are you?

Check one circle only.

Under 25 _A

25-29 _A

30-39 _A

40-49 _A

50-59 _A

60 or more _A

4

What is the highest level of formal education you have completed?

Check one circle only.

Did not complete high school _A

Completed high school _A

Completed a vocational/technical certificate after high school _A

Completed an Associate's degree (AA) in vocational/technical program _A

Completed an Associate’s degree (AA) or Bachelor's degree _A

Completed an academic Master's degree, postgraduate certificate program

(e.g., teaching) or first professional degree (e.g., law, medicine, dentistry) _A

Completed a doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D) _A

5

During your post-secondary education, what was your major or main area(s) of study?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Mathematics _{A A}

b) Education - Mathematics _{A A}

c) Science _{A A}

d) Education - Science _{A A}

e) Education - General _{A A}

f) Other _{A A}

About Your School

6

How would you characterize each of the following within your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Very high

High

Medium

Low

Very low

a) Teachers’ job
satisfaction _{A A A A A}

b) Teachers’ understanding of the school’s curricular
goals _{A A A A A}

c) Teachers’ degree of success in implementing
the school’s curriculum _{A A A A A}

d) Teachers’ expectations for student
achievement _{A A A A A}

e) Parental support for
student achievement _{A A A A A}

f) Parental involvement
in school activities _{A A A A A}

g) Students’ regard for
school property _{A A A A A}

h) Students’ desire to do
well in school _{A A A A A}

7

Thinking about your current school, indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements.

Check one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

Agree a little

Disagree a little

Disagree
a lot

a) This school is located in
a safe neighborhood _{A A A A}

b) I feel safe at this school _{A A A A}

c) This school’s security policies
and practices are sufficient _{A A A A}

d) The students behave in an
orderly manner _{A A A A}

e) The students are respectful
of the teachers _{A A A A}

8

In your current school, how severe is each problem?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Minor problem

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) The school building needs
significant repair _{A A A A}

b) Classrooms are overcrowded _{A A A A}

c) Teachers have too many
teaching hours _{A A A A}

d) Teachers do not have adequate workspace for preparation, collaboration,
or meeting with students _{A A A A}

e) Teachers do not have adequate instructional
materials and supplies _{A A A A}

About Being a Teacher

9

A. Do you use computers in your teaching?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to #10)

B. How much do you agree with the following statements about using computers in your teaching?

Check one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

Agree a little

Disagree a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I feel comfortable using
computers in my teaching _{A A A A}

b) When I have technical problems, I have ready access to computer
support staff in my school _{A A A A}

c) I receive adequate support for integrating computers in my
teaching activities _{A A A A}

10

How often do you have the following types of interactions with other teachers?

Check one circle for each line.

Never or almost never

2 or 3 times per month

1-3 times
per week

Daily or
almost
daily

a) Discuss how to teach
a particular topic _{A A A A}

b) Collaborate in planning and preparing instructional
materials _{A A A A}

c) Share what I have learned about my
teaching experiences _{A A A A}

d) Visit another classroom
to learn more about teaching _{A A A A}

e) Work together to
try out new ideas _{A A A A}

About Teaching the TIMSS Class

11

How much do you agree with the following statements?

Check one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

Agree a little

Disagree a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I am content with my profession
as a teacher _{A A A A}

b) I am satisfied with being a
teacher at this school _{A A A A}

c) I had more enthusiasm when
I began teaching than I
have now _{A A A A}

d) I do important work as
a teacher _{A A A A}

e) I plan to continue as a
teacher for as long as I can _{A A A A}

f) I am frustrated as a teacher _{A A A A}

12

How many students are in this class?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

13

How many eighth-grade students experience difficulties understanding spoken English?

_____________ students in this class

Write in a number.

14

How often do you do the following in teaching this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

About half the lessons

Some lessons

Never

a) Summarize what students
should have learned from
the lesson _{A A A A}

b) Relate the lesson to
students’ daily lives _{A A A A}

c) Use questioning to elicit
reasons and explanations _{A A A A}

d) Encourage all students to
improve their performance _{A A A A}

e) Praise students for
good effort _{A A A A}

f) Bring interesting materials
to class _{A A A A}

15

In your view, to what extent do the following limit how you teach this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

Not at all

Some

A lot

a) Students lacking
prerequisite knowledge
or skills _{A A A A}

b) Students suffering from
lack of basic nutrition _{A A A A}

c) Students suffering from
not enough sleep _{A A A A}

d) Students with special needs (e.g., physical disabilities, mental or emotional/
psychological impairment) _{A A A A}

e) Disruptive students _{A A A A}

f) Uninterested students _{A A A A}

16

For the typical student in this class, how often do you do these things?

Check one circle for each line.

At least once a week

Once or twice a month

4-6 times a year

1-3 times a year

Never

a) Meet or talk individually with the student’s parents
to discuss his/her
learning progress _{A A A A A}

b) Send home a progress
report on the student’s
learning _{A A A A A}

Teaching Mathematics to the TIMSS Class

^{Questions 17-19 ask about mathematics instruction for the eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.}

17

In a typical week, how much time do you spend teaching mathematics to the students in this class?

___________hours and ___________minutes per week

Write in the hours and minutes.

18

In teaching mathematics to this class, how confident do you feel to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Very confident

Somewhat confident

Not confident

a) Answer students’ questions
about mathematics _{A A A}

b) Show students a variety of
problem solving strategies _{A A A}

c) Provide challenging tasks
for capable students _{A A A}

d) Adapt my teaching to
engage students’ interest _{A A A}

e) Help students appreciate the value of learning
mathematics _{A A A}

19

In teaching mathematics to this class, how often do you usually ask students to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

About half the lessons

Some lessons

Never

a) Listen to me explain how to
solve problems _{A A A A}

b) Memorize rules, procedures,
and facts _{A A A A}

c) Work problems (individually
or with peers) with my
guidance _{A A A A}

d) Work problems together in the whole class with direct
guidance from me _{A A A A}

e) Work problems (individually or with peers) while I am
occupied by other tasks _{A A A A}

f) Apply facts, concepts, and procedures to solve routine
problems _{A A A A}

g) Explain their answers _{A A A A}

h) Relate what they are learning in mathematics
to their daily life _{A A A A}

i) Decide on their own procedures for solving
complex problems _{A A A A}

j) Work on problems for which there is no immediately obvious
method of solution _{A A A A}

k) Take a written test or quiz _{A A A A}

20

What mathematics course are you teaching to the TIMSS class?

Fill in one circle only.

a) Basic or general eighth-grade math (not algebra or pre-algebra) _A

b) Introduction to algebra or pre-algebra _A

c) Two-year pre-algebra _A

d) Algebra I (one-year course) _A

e) Algebra I (first year of a two-year Algebra I course) _A

fb) Algebra I (second year of two-year Algebra I course) _A

g) Geometry _A

h) Algebra II _A

i) Textbooks _A

j) Workbooks or worksheets _A

Resources for Teaching Mathematics

^{Questions 21-23 ask about resources for teaching mathematics to the eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.}

21

When you teach mathematics to this class, how do you use the following resources?

Check one circle for each line.

Basis for instruction

Supplement

Not used

a) Textbooks _{A A A}

b) Workbooks or
worksheets _{A A A}

c) Concrete objects or materials that help students understand
quantities or procedures _{A A A}

d) Computer software for
mathematics instruction _{A A A}

22

A. Are the students in this class permitted to use calculators during mathematics lessons?

Check one circle only.

Yes, with unrestricted use _A

Yes, with restricted use _A

No, calculators are not permitted _A

(If No, go to #23)

B. How often do students in this class use calculators in their mathematics lessons for the following activities?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

About half the lessons

Some lessons

Never

a) Check answers _{A A A A}

b) Do routine computations _{A A A A}

c) Solve complex problems _{A A A A}

d) Explore number concepts _{A A A A}

23

A. Do the students in this class have computer(s) available to use during their mathematics lessons?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to #24)

B. Do any of the computer(s) have access to the Internet?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

C. How often do you have the students do the following computer activities?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every day

Once or twice a week

Once or twice a
month

Never or
almost never

a) Look up ideas and
information _{A A A A}

b) Use instructional software to develop and practice
skills and procedures _{A A A A}

c) Explore mathematics
principles and concepts _{A A A A}

Mathematics Topics Taught

Questions 24-25 ask about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching mathematics
to the eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.

24

The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS mathematics test. Choose the response that best describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before eighth grade, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not yet completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet taught or just introduced.”

Check one circle for each line.

Mostly taught before this year

Mostly taught this year

Not yet taught or just introduced

A. Number

a) Computing, estimating, or approximating with whole numbers _{A A A}

b) Concepts of fractions and computing with fractions _{A A A}

c) Concepts of decimals and computing with decimals _{A A A}

d) Representing, comparing, ordering, and computing with integers _{A A A}

e) Problem solving involving percents and proportions _{A A A}

B. Algebra

a) Numeric, algebraic, and geometric patterns or sequences (extension, missing terms, generalization of patterns) _{A A A}

b) Simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions _{A A A}

c) Simple linear equations and inequalities _{A A A}

d) Simultaneous (two variables) equations _{A A A}

e) Representation of functions as ordered pairs, tables, graphs, words, or equations _{A A A}

C. Geometry

a) Geometric properties of angles and geometric shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, and other common polygons) _{A A A}

b) Congruent figures and similar triangles _{A A A}

c) Relationship between three–dimensional shapes and their two-dimensional representations _{A A A}

d) Using appropriate measurement formulas for perimeters, circumferences, areas, surface areas, and volumes _{A A A}

e) Points on the Cartesian plane _{A A A}

f) Translation, reflection, and rotation _{A A A}

D. Data and Chance

a) Reading and displaying data using tables, pictographs, bar graphs, pie charts and line graphs _{A A A}

b) Interpreting data sets (e.g., draw conclusions, make predictions, and estimate values between and
beyond given data points) _{A A A}

c) Judging, predicting, and determining the chances of possible outcomes _{A A A}

Mathematics Content Coverage

25

By the end of this school year, approximately what percentage of teaching time will you have spent during this school year on each of the following mathematics content areas for the students in this class?

Write in the percentage for each.

a) Number (e.g., whole numbers,
fractions, decimals, ratio, proportion
and percent) _____%

b) Algebra (e.g., patterns, equations,
formulas and relationships) _____%

c) Geometry (e.g., lines and angles, shapes, congruence and
similarity, spatial relationships,
symmetry and transformations) _____%

d) Data and chance (e.g., reading, organizing and representing data,
data interpretation and chance) _____%

e) Other, please specify:

___________________________ _____%

Total = 100%

Mathematics Homework

^{Question 26 asks about mathematics homework for the eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.}

26

A. How often do you usually assign mathematics homework to the students in this class?

Check one circle only.

I do not assign mathematics
homework _A

(Go to #27)

Less than once a week _A

1 or 2 times a week _A

3 or 4 times a week _A

Every day _A

B. When you assign mathematics homework to the students in this class, about how many minutes do you usually assign? (Consider the time it would take an average student in your class.)

Check one circle only.

15 minutes or less _A

16-30 minutes _A

31-60 minutes _A

61-90 minutes _A

More than 90 minutes _A

C. How often do you do the following with the mathematics homework assignments for this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

Sometimes

Never or
almost never

a) Correct assignments and
give feedback to students _{A A A}

b) Have students correct
their own homework _{A A A}

c) Discuss the homework
in class _{A A A}

d) Monitor whether or not the
homework was completed _{A A A}

e) Use the homework to contribute towards
students’ grades or marks _{A A A}

Mathematics Assessment

^{Questions 27-29 ask about mathematics assessment for the eighth-grade students in the TIMSS class.}

27

How much emphasis do you place on the following sources to monitor students’ progress in mathematics?

Check one circle for each line.

Major emphasis

Some emphasis

Little or no
emphasis

a) Evaluation of students’
ongoing work _{A A A}

b) Classroom tests (for example, teacher made or
textbook tests) _{A A A}

c) State or district
achievement tests _{A A A}

28

How often do you give a mathematics test or examination to this class?

Check one circle only.

About once a week _A

About every two weeks _A

About once a month _A

A few times a year _A

Never _A

29

How often do you include the following types of questions in your mathematics tests or examinations?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

Sometimes

Never or
almost never

a) Questions based on recall
of facts and procedures _{A A A}

b) Questions involving
application of mathematical
procedures _{A A A}

c) Questions involving searching for patterns
and relationships _{A A A}

d) Questions requiring explanations or
justifications _{A A A}

Preparation to Teach Mathematics

30

In the past two years, have you participated in professional development in any of the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Mathematics content _{A A}

b) Mathematics pedagogy/instruction _{A A}

c) Mathematics curriculum _{A A}

d) Integrating information technology
into mathematics _{A A}

e) Improving students’ critical thinking or
problem solving skills _{A A}

f) Mathematics assessment _{A A}

g) Addressing individual students’ needs _{A A}

31

How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following mathematics topics?
If a topic is not 1 in the eighth-grade curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic you may check “not applicable.”

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

Very well prepared

Somewhat
prepared

Not well
prepared

A. Number

a) Computing, estimating, or approximating with whole numbers _{A A A A}

b) Concepts of fractions and computing with fractions _{A A A A}

c) Concepts of decimals and computing with decimals _{A A A A}

d) Representing, comparing, ordering, and computing with integers _{A A A A}

e) Problem solving involving percents and proportions _{A A A A}

B. Algebra

a) Numeric, algebraic, and geometric patterns or sequences (extension, missing terms, generalization
of patterns) _{A A A A}

b) Simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions _{A A A A}

c) Simple linear equations and inequalities _{A A A A}

d) Simultaneous (two variables) equations _{A A A A}

e) Representation of functions as ordered pairs, tables, graphs, words, or equations _{A A A A}

C. Geometry

a) Geometric properties of angles and geometric shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, and other
common polygons) _{A A A A}

b) Congruent figures and similar triangles _{A A A A}

c) Relationship between three–dimensional shapes and their two-dimensional representations _{A A A A}

d) Using appropriate measurement formulas for perimeters, circumferences, areas, surface areas,
and volumes _{A A A A}

e) Points on the Cartesian plane _{A A A A}

f ) Translation, reflection, and rotation _{A A A A}

D. Data and Chance

a) Reading and displaying data using tables, pictographs, bar graphs, pie charts and line graphs _{A A A A}

b) Interpreting data sets (e.g., draw conclusions, make predictions, and estimate values between and
beyond given data points) _{A A A A}

c) Judging, predicting, and determining the chances of possible outcomes _{A A A A}

Thank You

Thank you for the thought, time, and effort you have put into completing this questionnaire.

TIMSS 2011

Teacher Questionnaire

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS 2011 (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), an educational research project sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures trends in student achievement in mathematics and science and studies differences in national education systems in more than 60 countries in order to help improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to teachers of eighth-grade students, and seeks information about teachers’ academic and professional backgrounds, classroom resources, instructional practices, and attitudes toward teaching. Since your class has been selected as part of a nationwide sample, your responses are very important in helping to describe eighth-grade education in the United States.

Some of the questions in the questionnaire refer to the “TIMSS class” or “this class”. This is the class that is identified on the front of this booklet, and which will be tested as part of TIMSS in your school. If you teach some but not all of the students in the TIMSS class, please think only of the students that you teach when answering these class-specific questions. It is important that you answer each question carefully so that the information that you provide reflects your situation as accurately as possible.

Since TIMSS is an international study and all countries are using the same questionnaire, you may find that some of the questions seem unusual or are not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United States. Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to answer all of the questions so comparisons can be made across countries in the studies.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 45 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We appreciate the time and effort that this takes and thank you for your cooperation and contribution. When you have completed the questionnaire, please place it in the accompanying envelope and return it to the TIMSS school coordinator.

Thank you.

TIMSS 2011

About You

1

By the end of this school year, how many years will you have been teaching altogether?

_____________ years

Please round to the nearest whole number.

2

Are you female or male?

Check one circle only.

Female _A

Male _A

3

How old are you?

Check one circle only.

Under 25 _A

25-29 _A

30-39 _A

40-49 _A

50-59 _A

60 or more _A

4

What is the highest level of formal education you have completed?

Check one circle only.

Did not complete high school _A

Completed high school _A

Completed a vocational/technical certificate after high school _A

Completed an Associate's degree (AA) in vocational/technical program _A

Completed an Associate’s degree (AA) or Bachelor's degree _A

Completed an academic Master's degree, postgraduate certificate program

(e.g., teaching) or first professional degree (e.g., law, medicine, dentistry) _A

Completed a doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D) _A

5

During your post-secondary education, what was your major or main area(s) of study?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Biology _{A A}

b) Physics _{A A}

c) Chemistry _{A A}

d) Earth Science _{A A}

e) Education - Science _{A A}

f) Mathematics _{A A}

g) Education - Mathematics _{A A}

h) Education - General _{A A}

i) Other _{A A}

About Your School

6

How would you characterize each of the following within your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Very high

High

Medium

Low

Very low

a) Teachers’ job
satisfaction _{A A A A A}

b) Teachers’ understanding of the school’s curricular
goals _{A A A A A}

c) Teachers’ degree of success in implementing
the school’s curriculum _{A A A A A}

d) Teachers’ expectations for student
achievement _{A A A A A}

e) Parental support for
student achievement _{A A A A A}

f) Parental involvement
in school activities _{A A A A A}

g) Students’ regard for
school property _{A A A A A}

h) Students’ desire to do
well in school _{A A A A A}

7

Thinking about your current school, indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements.

Check one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

Agree a little

Disagree a little

Disagree
a lot

a) This school is located in
a safe neighborhood _{A A A A}

b) I feel safe at this school _{A A A A}

c) This school’s security policies
and practices are sufficient _{A A A A}

d) The students behave in an
orderly manner _{A A A A}

e) The students are respectful
of the teachers _{A A A A}

8

In your current school, how severe is each problem?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Minor problem

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) The school building needs
significant repair _{A A A A}

b) Classrooms are overcrowded _{A A A A}

c) Teachers have too many
teaching hours _{A A A A}

d) Teachers do not have adequate workspace for preparation, collaboration,
or meeting with students _{A A A A}

e) Teachers do not have adequate instructional
materials and supplies _{A A A A}

About Being a Teacher

9

A. Do you use computers in your teaching?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to #10)

B. How much do you agree with the following statements about using computers in your teaching?

Check one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

Agree a little

Disagree a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I feel comfortable using
computers in my teaching _{A A A A}

b) When I have technical problems, I have ready
access to computer
support staff in my school _{A A A A}

c) I receive adequate support for integrating
computers in my
teaching activities _{A A A A}

10

How often do you have the following types of interactions with other teachers?

Check one circle for each line.

Never or almost never

2 or 3 times per month

1-3 times
per week

Daily or
almost
daily

a) Discuss how to teach
a particular topic _{A A A A}

b) Collaborate in planning and preparing instructional
materials _{A A A A}

c) Share what I have learned about my
teaching experiences _{A A A A}

d) Visit another classroom
to learn more about teaching _{A A A A}

e) Work together to
try out new ideas _{A A A A}

About teaching the class with the TIMSS Students

11

How much do you agree with the following statements?

Check one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

Agree a little

Disagree a little

Disagree
a lot

a) I am content with my
profession as a teacher _{A A A A}

b) I am satisfied with being a
teacher at this school _{A A A A}

c) I had more enthusiasm when I began teaching than I
have now _{A A A A}

d) I do important work as
a teacher _{A A A A}

e) I plan to continue as a
teacher for as long as I can _{A A A A}

f) I am frustrated as a teacher _{A A A A}

12

How many students are in this class?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

13

How many eighth-grade students experience difficulties understanding spoken English?

_____________ students in this class

Write in a number.

14

How often do you do the following in teaching this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

About half the lessons

Some lessons

Never

a) Summarize what students should have learned from
the lesson _{A A A A}

b) Relate the lesson to
students’ daily lives _{A A A A}

c) Use questioning to elicit
reasons and explanations _{A A A A}

d) Encourage all students to
improve their performance _{A A A A}

e) Praise students for
good effort _{A A A A}

f) Bring interesting materials
to class _{A A A A}

15

In your view, to what extent do the following limit how you teach this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

Not at all

Some

A lot

a) Students lacking prerequisite knowledge
or skills _{A A A A}

b) Students suffering from
lack of basic nutrition _{A A A A}

c) Students suffering from
not enough sleep _{A A A A}

d) Students with special needs (e.g., physical disabilities,
mental or emotional/
psychological impairment) _{A A A A}

e) Disruptive students _{A A A A}

f) Uninterested students _{A A A A}

16

For the typical student in this class, how often do you do these things?

Check one circle for each line.

At least once a week

Once or twice a month

4-6 times a year

1-3 times a year

Never

a) Meet or talk individually
with the student’s parents
to discuss his/her
learning progress _{A A A A A}

b) Send home a progress
report on the student’s
learning _{A A A A A}

Teaching Science to the class with the TIMSS students

^{Questions 17-19 ask about science instruction for the eighth-grade students in the class with the TIMSS students.}

17

In a typical week, how much time do you spend teaching science to the students in this class?

___________hours and ___________minutes per week

Write in the hours and minutes.

18

In teaching science to this class, how confident do you feel to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Very confident

Somewhat confident

Not confident

a) Answer students’ questions
about science _{A A A}

b) Explain science concepts or principles by doing
science experiments _{A A A}

c) Provide challenging tasks
for capable students _{A A A}

d) Adapt my teaching to
engage students’ interest _{A A A}

e) Help students appreciate the value of learning
science _{A A A}

19

In teaching science to the students in this class, how often do you usually ask them to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

About half the lessons

Some lessons

Never

a) Observe natural phenomena
and describe what they see _{A A A A}

b) Watch me demonstrate an experiment or
investigation _{A A A A}

c) Design or plan experiments
or investigations _{A A A A}

d) Conduct experiments or
investigations _{A A A A}

e) Read their textbooks or
other resource materials _{A A A A}

f) Have students memorize
facts and principles _{A A A A}

g) Use scientific formulas and laws to solve routine
problems _{A A A A}

h) Give explanations about something they are
studying _{A A A A}

i) Relate what they are learning in science to
their daily lives _{A A A A}

j) Do field work outside of class _{A A A A}

k) Take a written test or quiz _{A A A A}

20

Which best describes the science course you are teaching to the class with the TIMSS students?

Fill in one circle only..

a) General science (several content areas of science taught separately) _A

b) Integrated science (several content areas of science combined and taught together throughout the year) _A

c) Life science (e.g., biology, ecosystems, human health) _A

d) Earth science (e.g., geology, earth and the solar system, fossils) _A

e) Physical science (e.g., physics or chemistry) _A

Resources for Teaching Science

^{Questions 21-22 ask about resources for teaching science to the eighth-grade students in the class with the TIMSS students.}

21

When you teach science to this class, how do you use the following resources?

Check one circle for each line.

Basis for instruction

Supplement

Not used

a) Textbooks _{A A A}

b) Workbooks or
worksheets _{A A A}

c) Science equipment and
materials _{A A A}

d) Computer software for
science instruction _{A A A}

e) Reference materials (e.g.,
encyclopedia, dictionary) _{A A A}

22

A. Do the students in this class have computer(s) available to use during their science lessons?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to #23)

B. Do any of the computer(s) have access to the Internet?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

C. How often do you have the students do the following computer activities?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every day

Once or twice a week

Once or twice a
month

Never or
almost never

a) Look up ideas and
information _{A A A A}

b) Use instructional software to develop and practice
skills and procedures _{A A A A}

c) Do scientific procedures
or experiments _{A A A A}

d) Study natural phenomena
through simulations _{A A A A}

e) Process and analyze data _{A A A A}

Science Topics Taught

^{Questions 23-24 ask about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching science to the} eighth-grade ^{students in the class with the TIMSS students.}

23

The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS science test. Choose the response that best describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before eighth grade, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not yet completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet taught or just introduced.”

Check one circle for each line.

Mostly taught before this year

Mostly taught this year

Not yet taught or just introduced

A. Biology

a) Major organs and organ systems in humans and other organisms (structure/function, life processes that
maintain stable bodily conditions) _{A A A}

b) Cells and their functions, including respiration and photosynthesis as cellular processes _{A A A}

c) Reproduction (sexual and asexual) and heredity (passing on of traits, inherited versus acquired/learned
characteristics) _{A A A}

d) Role of variation and adaptation in survival/extinction of species in a changing environment _{A A A}

e) Interdependence of populations of organisms in an ecosystem (e.g., energy flow, food webs, competition,
predation) and the impact of changes in the physical environment on populations (e.g., climate, water supply) _{A A A}

f) Reasons for increase in world’s human population (e.g., advances in medicine, sanitation), and
the effects of population growth on the environment _{A A A}

g) Human health (causes of infectious diseases, methods of infection, prevention, immunity) and the importance
of diet and exercise in maintaining health _{A A A}

B. Chemistry

a) Classification, composition, and particulate structure of matter (elements, compounds, mixtures, molecules,
atoms, protons, neutrons, electrons) _{A A A}

b) Solutions (solvent, solute, concentration/dilution, effect of temperature on solubility) _{A A A}

c) Properties and uses of common acids and bases _{A A A}

d) Chemical change (transformation of reactants, evidence of chemical change, conservation of matter,
common oxidation reactions – combustion, rusting, tarnishing) _{A A A}

Mostly taught before this year

Mostly taught this year

Not yet taught or just introduced

C. Physics

a) Physical states and changes in matter (explanations of properties in terms of movement and distance
between particles; phase change, thermal expansion, and changes in volume and/or pressure) _{A A A}

b) Energy forms, transformations, heat, and temperature _{A A A}

c) Basic properties/behaviors of light (reflection, refraction, light and color, simple ray diagrams)
and sound (transmission through media, loudness, pitch, amplitude, frequency, relative speed of light
and sound) _{A A A}

d) Electric circuits (flow of current; types of circuits - parallel/series; current/voltage relationship) and properties
and uses of permanent magnets and electromagnets _{A A A}

e) Forces and motion (types of forces, basic description of motion, effects of density and pressure) _{A A A}

D. Earth Science

a) Earth’s structure and physical features (Earth’s crust, mantle and core; composition and relative distribution
of water, and composition of air) _{A A A}

b) Earth’s processes, cycles and history (rock cycle; water cycle; weather patterns; major geological events;
formation of fossils and fossil fuels) _{A A A}

c) Earth’s resources, their use and conservation (e.g., renewable/nonrenewable resources, human use of
land/soil, water resources) _{A A A}

d) Earth in the solar system and the universe (phenomena on Earth - day/night, tides, phases of moon, eclipses,
seasons; physical features of Earth compared to other bodies; the Sun as a star) _{A A A}

Science Content Coverage

24

By the end of this school year, approximately what percentage of teaching time will you have spent during this school year on each of the following science content areas for the students in this class?

Write in the percentage for each.

a) Biology (e.g., structure/function;
life processes, reproduction/heredity,
natural selection; ecosystems,
human health) _____%

b) Chemistry (e.g., classification,
composition and properties
of matter; chemical change) _____%

c) Physics (e.g., physical states/
changes in matter; energy;
light; sound; electricity
and magnetism;
forces and motion) _____%

d) Earth science (e.g., Earth’s
structure, processes, and resources;
the solar system and universe) _____%

e) Other, please specify:

___________________________ _____%

Total = 100%

Science Homework

^{Question 25 asks about science homework for the eighth-grade students in the class with the TIMSS students.}

25

A. How often do you usually assign science homework to the students in this class?

Check one circle only.

I do not assign science
homework _A

(Go to #26)

Less than once a week _A

1 or 2 times a week _A

3 or 4 times a week _A

Every day _A

B. When you assign science homework to the students in this class, about how many minutes do you usually assign? (Consider the time it would take an average student in your class.)

Check one circle only.

15 minutes or less _A

16-30 minutes _A

31-60 minutes _A

61-90 minutes _A

More than 90 minutes _A

C. How often do you do the following with the science homework assignments for this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

Sometimes

Never or
almost Never

a) Correct assignments and
give feedback to students _{A A A}

b) Have students correct
their own homework _{A A A}

c) Discuss the homework
in class _{A A A}

d) Monitor whether or not the
homework was completed _{A A A}

e) Use the homework to
contribute towards
students’ grades or marks _{A A A}

Science Assessment

^{Questions 26-28 ask about science assessment for the eighth-grade students in the class with the TIMSS students.}

26

How much emphasis do you place on the following sources to monitor students’ progress in science?

Check one circle for each line.

Major emphasis

Some emphasis

Little or no emphasis

a) Evaluation of students’
ongoing work _{A A A}

b) Classroom tests (for example, teacher made or
textbook tests) _{A A A}

c) State or district
achievement tests _{A A A}

27

How often do you give a science test or examination to this class?

Check one circle only.

About once a week _A

About every two weeks _A

About once a month _A

A few times a year _A

Never _A

28

How often do you include the following types of questions in your science tests or examinations?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

Sometimes

Never or
almost never

a) Questions based on
knowing facts and concepts _{A A A}

b) Questions based on the
application of knowledge
and understanding _{A A A}

c) Questions involving
developing hypotheses and
designing scientific
investigations _{A A A}

d) Questions requiring
explanations or
justifications _{A A A}

Preparation to Teach Science

29

In the past two years, have you participated in professional development in any of the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Science content _{A A}

b) Science pedagogy/instruction _{A A}

c) Science curriculum _{A A}

d) Integrating information technology
into science _{A A}

e) Improving students’ critical thinking or
inquiry skills _{A A}

f) Science assessment _{A A}

g) Addressing individual students’ needs _{A A}

30

How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following science topics?
If a topic is not in the eighth-grade curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic you may check “not applicable.”

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

Very well prepared

Somewhat
prepared

Not well
prepared

A. Biology

a) Major organs and organ systems in humans and other organisms (structure/function, life processes that
maintain stable bodily conditions) _{A A A A}

b) Cells and their functions, including respiration and photosynthesis as cellular processes _{A A A A}

c) Reproduction (sexual and asexual) and heredity (passing on of traits, inherited versus acquired/learned
characteristics) _{A A A A}

d) Role of variation and adaptation in survival/extinction of species in a changing environment _{A A A A}

e) Interdependence of populations of organisms in an ecosystem (e.g., energy flow, food webs,
competition, predation) and the impact of changes in the physical environment on populations (e.g.,
climate, water supply) _{A A A A}

f) Reasons for increase in world’s human population (e.g., advances in medicine, sanitation), and
the effects of population growth on the environment _{A A A A}

g) Human health (causes of infectious diseases, methods of infection, prevention, immunity) and the importance
of diet and exercise in maintaining health _{A A A A}

B. Chemistry

a) Classification, composition, and particulate structure of matter (elements, compounds, mixtures, molecules,
atoms, protons, neutrons, electrons) _{A A A A}

b) Solutions (solvent, solute, concentration/dilution, effect of temperature on solubility) _{A A A A}

c) Properties and uses of common acids and bases _{A A A A}

d) Chemical change (transformation of reactants, evidence of chemical change, conservation of matter,
common oxidation reactions – combustion, rusting, tarnishing) _{A A A A}

Not applicable

Very well prepared

Somewhat
prepared

Not well
prepared

C. Physics

a) Physical states and changes in matter (explanations of properties in terms of movement and distance
between particles; phase change, thermal expansion, and changes in volume and/or pressure) _{A A A A}

b) Energy forms, transformations, heat, and temperature _{A A A A}

c) Basic properties/behaviors of light (reflection, refraction, light and color, simple ray diagrams)
and sound (transmission through media, loudness, pitch, amplitude, frequency, relative speed of light
and sound) _{A A A A}

d) Electric circuits (flow of current; types of circuits - parallel/series; current/voltage relationship) and properties
and uses of permanent magnets and electromagnets _{A A A A}

e) Forces and motion (types of forces, basic description of motion, effects of density, and pressure) _{A A A A}

D. Earth Science

a) Earth’s structure and physical features (Earth’s crust, mantle and core; composition and relative distribution
of water, and composition of air) _{A A A A}

b) Earth’s processes, cycles and history (rock cycle; water cycle; weather patterns; major geological events;
formation of fossils and fossil fuels) _{A A A A}

c) Earth’s resources, their use and conservation (e.g., renewable/nonrenewable resources, human use of
land/soil, water resources) _{A A A A}

d) Earth in the solar system and the universe (phenomena on Earth - day/night, tides, phases of moon, eclipses,
seasons; physical features of Earth compared to other bodies; the Sun as a star) _{A A A A}

Thank You

Thank you for the thought, time, and effort you have put into completing this questionnaire.

TIMSS 2011

Grade 4

School Questionnaire

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS and PIRLS 2011 (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study and Progress in International Reading Literacy), a joint educational research project sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures trends in student achievement in mathematics and science, and studies differences in national education systems in more than 60 countries in order to help improve teaching and learning worldwide. PIRLS provides similarly important international benchmarking information in fourth-grade reading in over 50 countries.

This questionnaire is addressed to school principals and department heads who are asked to supply information about their schools. Since your school has been selected as part of a nationwide sample, your responses are very important in helping to describe fourth-grade education in the United States.

It is important that you answer each question carefully so that the information provided reflects the situation in your school as accurately as possible. Some of the questions will require that you look up school records, so you may wish to arrange for the assistance of another staff member to help provide this information.

Since TIMSS-PIRLS 2011 is an international study and all countries are using the same questionnaire, you may find that some of the questions seem unusual or are not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United States. Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to answer all of the questions so comparisons can be made across countries in the study.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 30 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We appreciate the time and effort that this takes and thank you for your cooperation and contribution.

When you have completed the questionnaire, please place it in the accompanying envelope and return it to the TIMSS-PIRLS school coordinator.

Thank you.

TIMSS & PIRLS 2011

School Enrollment and Characteristics

1

What is the total enrollment of students in your school as of March 1, 2010?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

2

What is the total enrollment of fourth-grade students in your school as of March 1, 2010?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

3

Approximately what percentage of students in your school have the following backgrounds?

Check one circle for each line.

0 to 10%

11 to 25%

26 to 50%

More than
50%

a) Come from economically
disadvantaged homes _{A A A A}

b) Come from economically
affluent homes _{A A A A}

4

Around the first of October 2010 what percentage of students at this school were eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program?

_________ percentage of students

5

A. Which best describes the immediate area in which your school is located?

Check one circle only.

Urban–Densely populated _A

Suburban–On fringe or
outskirts of urban area _A

Medium size city or large town _A

Small town or village _A

Remote rural _A

B. Which best characterizes the average income level of the school’s immediate area?

Check one circle only.

High _A

Medium _A

Low _A

6

What type of school is this?

Check one circle only.

1. Regular public elementary school _A

2. A regular public school with a magnet program _A

3. A magnet school or school with a special program emphasis

(e.g ., science/math school, performing arts school, talented/gifted school,

foreign language immersion school, etc.) _A

4. Special education: a school that primarily serves students with disabilities _A

5. Alternative: a school that offers a curriculum designed to provide alternative or

nontraditional education, not clearly categorized as regular or special education _A

7

1. Approximately what percentage of students in your school have English as their native language?

Check one circle only.

More than 90% _A

76 to 90% _A

51 to 75% _A

26 to 50% _A

25% or less _A

B. Of the students currently enrolled in your school, what percentage has been identified as limited-English proficient (LEP)/English language learners (ELL)?

Check one circle only.

0% _A

1 to 5% _A

6 to 10% _A

11 to 25% _A

26 to 50% _A

51 to 75% _A

76 to 90% _A

Over 90% _A

Instructional Time

Resources and Technology

8

For the fourth-grade students in your school:

A. How many days per year is your school open for instruction?

__________days

Write in the number.

B. What is the total instructional time, excluding breaks, in a typical day?

_________hours and __________minutes

Write in the number of hours and minutes.

C. In one calendar week, how many days is the school open for instruction?

Check one circle only.

6 days _A

5 1/2 days _A

5 days _A

4 1/2 days _A

4 days _A

Other _A

Please specify

9

What is the total number of computers that can be used for instructional purposes by fourth-grade students?

___________computers

Write in the number.

10

Does your school have a science laboratory that can be used by fourth-grade students?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

11

Does your school have a school library?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

(If No, go to #10)

If Yes,

A. Approximately how many books with different titles does your school library have (exclude magazines and periodicals)?

Check one circle only.

250 or fewer _A

251-500 _A

501-2,000 _A

2,001-5,000 _A

5,001-10,000 _A

More than 10,000 _A

B. Approximately how many titles of magazines and other periodicals does your school library have?

Check one circle only.

0 _A

1-5 _A

6-10 _A

11-30 _A

31 or more _A

12

How much is your school’s capacity to provide instruction affected by a shortage or inadequacy
of the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

A little

Some

A lot

A. General School Resources

a) Second language teachers _{A A A A}

b) Instructional materials (e.g.,
textbooks) _{A A A A}

c) Supplies (e.g., papers,
pencils) _{A A A A}

d) School buildings and
grounds _{A A A A}

e) Heating/cooling and lighting
systems _{A A A A}

f) Instructional space (e.g.,
classrooms) _{A A A A}

g) Technologically competent
staff _{A A A A}

h) Special equipment for
physically disabled students _{A A A A}

i) Computers for instruction _{A A A A}

B. Resources for Reading
Instruction

a) Teachers with a
specialization in reading _{A A A A}

b) Computer software for
reading instruction _{A A A A}

c) Library books _{A A A A}

d) Audio-visual resources for
reading instruction _{A A A A}

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

A little

Some

A lot

C. Resources for Mathematics
Instruction

a) Teachers with a specialization
in mathematics _{A A A A}

b) Computer software for
mathematics instruction _{A A A A}

c) Library materials relevant
to mathematics instruction _{A A A A}

d) Audio-visual resources for
mathematics instruction _{A A A A}

e) Calculators for mathematics
instruction _{A A A A}

D. Resources for Science
Instruction

a) Teachers with a
specialization in science _{A A A A}

b) Computer software for
science instruction _{A A A A}

c) Library materials relevant
to science instruction _{A A A A}

d) Audio-visual resources for
science instruction _{A A A A}

e) Science equipment and
materials _{A A A A}

Involving Parents in Your School

13

A. How often does your school do the following for parents concerning individual students?

Check one circle for each line.

Never

Once a year

2-3 times a year

More than 3 times a year

a) Inform parents about their
child’s learning progress _{A A A A}

b) Inform parents about the
behavior and well-being of
their child at school _{A A A A}

c) Discuss parents’ concerns or
wishes about their child’s
learning _{A A A A}

d) Support individual parents
in helping their child with
schoolwork _{A A A A}

B. How often does your school ask parents to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Never

Once a year

2-3 times a year

More than 3 times a year

a) Ask parents to raise funds
for the school _{A A A A}

b) Ask parents to volunteer for
school projects, programs,
and trips _{A A A A}

c) Ask parents to serve on
school committees _{A A A A}

C. How often does your school do the following for parents in general?

Check one circle for each line.

Never

Once a year

2-3 times a year

More than 3 times a year

a) Inform parents about the
overall academic achievement
of the school (e.g., results of
national tests, results of
inspections of learning) _{A A A A}

b) Inform parents about school
accomplishments (e.g.,
tournament results, facility
improvements) _{A A A A}

c) Inform parents about the
educational goals and
pedagogic principles of
the school _{A A A A}

d) Inform parents about the
rules of the school _{A A A A}

e) Discuss parents’ concerns or
wishes about the school’s
organization (e.g., rules and
regulations, time tables,
safety measures) _{A A A A}

f) Provide parents with
additional learning materials
(e.g., books, computer
software) for their child to
use at home _{A A A A}

g) Organize workshops or
seminars for parents on
learning or pedagogical
issues _{A A A A}

School Climate

14

How would you characterize each of the following within your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Very high

High

Medium

Low

Very
low

a) Teachers’ job
satisfaction _{A A A A A}

b) Teachers’ understanding of the school’s curricular
goals _{A A A A A}

c) Teachers’ degree of success in implementing
the school’s curriculum _{A A A A A}

d) Teachers’ expectations for student
achievement _{A A A A A}

e) Parental support for
student achievement _{A A A A A}

f) Parental involvement
in school activities _{A A A A A}

g) Students’ regard for
school property _{A A A A A}

h) Students’ desire to do
well in school _{A A A A A}

15

A. To what degree is each of the following a problem among fourth-grade students in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Minor problem

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) Arriving late at school _{A A A A}

b) Absenteeism (i.e.,
unjustified absences) _{A A A A}

c) Classroom disturbance _{A A A A}

d) Cheating _{A A A A}

e) Profanity _{A A A A}

f) Vandalism _{A A A A}

g) Theft _{A A A A}

h) Intimidation or verbal abuse among students (including
texting, emailing, etc.) _{A A A A}

i) Physical fights among
students _{A A A A}

j) Intimidation or verbal abuse of teachers or staff (including
texting, emailing, etc.) _{A A A A}

B. To what degree is each of the following a problem among teachers in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Minor problem

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) Arriving late or leaving early _{A A A A}

b) Absenteeism _{A A A A}

Teachers in Your School

Leadership Activities

16

In your school, are any of the following used to evaluate the practice of fourth-grade teachers?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) Observations by the
principal or senior staff _{A A}

b) Observations by inspectors or other persons external
to the school _{A A}

c) Student achievement _{A A}

d) Teacher peer review _{A A}

17

Do fourth-grade teachers in your school have an opportunity to participate in a mentoring program?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A

18

Do the fourth-grade students in your school have separate teachers for any of the core subjects?

Check one circle for each line.

Yes

No

a) English _{A A}

b) Mathematics _{A A}

c) Science _{A A}

19

During the past year, approximately how much time have you spent on the following school
leadership activities in your role as a school principal?

Check one circle for each line.

No time

Some time

A lot of time

a) Promoting the school’s
educational vision or goals _{A A A}

b) Developing the school’s
curricular and educational goals _{A A A}

c) Monitoring teachers ’implementation of the
school’s educational goals
in their teaching _{A A A}

d) Monitoring students’ learning progress to ensure that the school’s
educational goals are reached _{A A A}

e) Teaching some classes to understand
your students and their problems _{A A A}

f) Keeping an orderly
atmosphere in the school _{A A A}

g) Ensuring that there are clear
rules for student behavior _{A A A}

h) Addressing disruptive
student behavior _{A A A}

i) Creating a climate of trust
among teachers _{A A A}

j) Initiating a discussion to help teachers who have problems
in the classroom _{A A A}

k) Advising teachers who have questions or problems with
their teaching _{A A A}

l) Visiting other schools or attending educational
conferences for new ideas _{A A A}

m) Initiating educational
projects or improvements _{A A A}

n) Participating in professional development activities specifically
for school principals _{A A A}

School Readiness

Reading in Your School

20

About how many of the students in your school can do the following when they begin primary/elementary school?

Check one circle for each line.

Less than 25%

25-50%

51-75%

More than 75%

a) Recognize most of the
letters of the alphabet _{A A A A}

b) Read some words _{A A A A}

c) Read sentences _{A A A A}

d) Write letters of the alphabet _{A A A A}

e) Write some words _{A A A A}

f) Count up to 100 or higher _{A A A A}

g) Recognize all 10 written
numerals from 1-10 _{A A A A}

h) Write all 10 numerals
from 1-10 _{A A A A}

21

At which grade do the following reading skills and strategies first receive a major emphasis in instruction in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

First grade or earlier

Second grade

Third grade

Fourth grade

Not in these grades

a) Knowing letters of the
alphabet _{A A A A A}

b) Knowing letter-sound
relationships _{A A A A A}

c) Reading words _{A A A A A}

d) Reading isolated sentences _{A A A A A}

e) Reading connected text _{A A A A A}

f) Locating information within
the text _{A A A A A}

g) Identifying the main ideas
of what they have read _{A A A A A}

h) Explaining or supporting their understanding of what they
have read _{A A A A A}

i) Comparing what they have read with experiences they
have had _{A A A A A}

j) Comparing what they have read with other things they
have read _{A A A A A}

k) Making predictions about what will happen next in the
text they are reading _{A A A A A}

l) Making generalizations and drawing inferences based on
what they have read _{A A A A A}

m) Describing the style or structure of the text they
have read _{A A A A A}

n) Determining the author’s
perspective or intention _{A A A A A}

22

Compared with other areas of the curriculum (e.g., mathematics and science), how much emphasis does your school place on teaching the following language and literacy skills to students in grades 1 to 4?

Check one circle for each line.

More emphasis

Same emphasis

Less emphasis

a) Reading _{A A A}

b) Writing (not handwriting) _{A A A}

c) Speaking/listening
(oral language) _{A A A}

23

For students in fourth grade and below, does your school make provisions for reading instruction in mother tongue for students whose mother tongue is not English?

Check one circle only.

Yes _A

No _A