National Center for Education Statistics
Third International Mathematics and Science Study
Overview
- The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), formerly known as the Third International Mathematics and Science Study) resulted from the American education community's need for reliable and timely data on the mathematics and science achievement of our students compared to that of students in other countries. TIMSS is the most comprehensive and rigorous assessment of its kind ever undertaken. TIMSS provides trend data on students' mathematics and science achievement from an international perspective.
- Widmeyer Communications worked with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) at the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education to generate visibility for TIMSS and assisted in report and resource kit development.
Communications Challenge
- Raise awareness and garner media attention around the merits of this study and convey to reporters the value and breadth of the research.
Strategy
- Widmeyer worked to generate both local and national coverage for the 4th, 8th, and 12th grade U.S. reports, to increase awareness of TIMSS unique data and knowledge about mathematics and science.
Tactics
- Widmeyer coordinated a White House news conference to promote the release of the reports.
- Widmeyer managed the new conference and advance briefings for all three reports. Providing the media with valuable information about the reports.
- It was very important to reach out to major education organizations. Widmeyer organized briefings for these organizations before the official.
Results
- The 8th grade TIMSS release was one of the top education stories of 1996, appearing in virtually all major newspapers and news outlets. The 4th and 12th grade reports were received with equal success, securing front-page coverage in newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, and other major daily newspapers. Many papers also had a discussion of the findings on their editorial sections. In addition, the reports were featured on numerous national television and radio news programs.
- Reporters and education writers frequently cite and discuss TIMSS data, months and even years after they were first released.
