Qualified teachers urgently needed - What TIMSS data reveal about teacher training and student learning

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), an international assessment of student achievement, can shed light on teacher quality. 

Based on the latest TIMSS 2019 data collection, this policy brief examines the concept of teacher quality through the following indicators:

• initial teacher education;
• programme major and specialization;
• continuing professional development, by type; and
• teachers’ previous experience.

The policy brief also examines the TIMSS student achievement data, comparing student learning across groups based on teacher characteristics in an attempt to establish relationships and draw conclusions about the role of teacher quality on learning.