Here is the general schedule of TIMSS

1.    A random sampling of Hong Kong schools is done by IEA (international schools and special schools are excluded). Invitation letters will be sent to the sampled schools for inviting them to participate in this important international research study;

2.    The basic information of ALL the Primary 4 (Grade 4) or Secondary 2 (Grade 8) classes within the sampled schools will be requested by the Centre. The information obtained will then be entered into the software designed by IEA for class sampling;

3.    The basic information of the students in the sampled classes will be collected. Using the information obtained from schools, the test materials will be prepared for the sampled schools;

4.    Sampled classes will be tested in mathematics and science. Materials, including the test administration guidelines, achievement booklets, questionnaires, and different types of record sheets, will be sent to schools at least 3 days before the testing date. After completing the test, schools may pack all the used and unused materials back into the box and contact the Centre for collection;

5.    Participating countries and regions will submit the data to IEA. After processing and analyzing the data, IEA will announce the study results and release the international reports officially. Then, each sampled school will receive a summary report specific to their school.