The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, or TIMSS, is an international assessment of mathematics and science literacy of students enrolled in grades four and eight around the world, developed by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA).
The 2023 TIMSS international report revealed a marked decline in Israeli eighth-grade students' scores in mathematics and science.
Compared to the last study, which is conducted every four years, Israel fell 14 places in mathematics, to 23rd place, and nine places in science, to 9th.
Although national results are still slightly above the global average, they represent a significant drop from 2019 scores.
The report also highlighted an increase in the proportion of students with difficulties, with one in five having trouble reaching the minimum level in mathematics and science. On the other hand, only one in thirteen students excelled in these areas, while in 2019, one in seven did so.