Final exam scores are not used to compare students.

The Department of Education and Training of Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City has just issued guidelines for organizing periodic exams at the end of the second semester of primary school in the 2024-2025 school year. Accordingly, primary schools will conduct teaching and organize student assessment according to the school year schedule; develop a plan to end the school year, an organization plan and a schedule for final exams to ensure the end of the school year before May 31, 2025.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Testing and evaluation are carried out according to current regulations, ensuring correct assessment of students' learning quality. Periodic assessment of learning content of subjects/educational activities, of the formation and development of qualities and capacities according to regulations is carried out when students have learned the program content of corresponding subjects/educational activities; teachers organize regular assessments during the learning process.

Phu Nhuan District guides the creation of test questions based on Article 12, Clause 2, Point c and Article 15, Clause 2 of Circular No. 27/2020/TT-BGDDT. To ensure consistency in the implementation process, ensure objectivity and quality of test questions, the Department of Education and Training encourages schools to create test questions according to the following plan:

• Subject teachers design test questions based on the test matrix, then submit them to the professional group; the professional group selects and sends them to the board of directors (from two to three questions); the board of directors is responsible for approving the questions and selecting two questions (one official question and one backup question) as test questions for the block;
• The principal directs the creation of periodic test questions in Article 12, Clause 2, Point c of Circular 27/2020/TT-BGDDT in accordance with the requirements and specific manifestations of the subject's competency components, including questions and exercises designed at 3 levels; the test is corrected by teachers, commented on, and scored on a 10-point scale, not decimal points; the scores of periodic tests are not used to compare one student with another.

Do not cut the general test to use for integrated learning for disabled students.

Regarding the assessment of integrated disabled students, the Phu Nhuan District Department of Education and Training guides primary school principals to direct homeroom teachers and subject teachers to conduct tests and assessments according to Article 8, Circular 27/2020/TT-BGDDT.

Each student takes a test with a separate topic and matrix according to the individual education plan. For students with mild disabilities, the assessment can be done like normal students.

"Absolutely do not cut or trim the test papers of non-disabled students to use for disabled students studying under the inclusive education method. The principal develops a plan to organize the end-of-school-year test, has a decision to assign questions, approve questions, print contracts with terms of confidentiality of questions and other requirements for the delivery of test papers, tests, assignment of supervisors - examiners, and serious handover of educational quality, in accordance with regulations according to Circular 27/2020/TT-BGDDT", the guidance of the Department of Education and Training clearly states.

No outline, no forcing students to memorize sample lessons

The Department of Education and Training of District 7, Ho Chi Minh City has recently issued instructions to primary school principals on the end-of-year inspection work, preparing to summarize the 2024-2025 school year.

The document states: "The principal develops a review and training plan for students to achieve regular assessment results and educational activities as required. Training is organized directly in the classroom, no homework is assigned for classes that have two sessions per day, no outlines are prepared for students to do, and knowledge is not crammed in the form of memorizing sample lessons and outlines. Teachers need to guide students on how to self-study and self-train according to the correct standards of knowledge and skills."

The Phu Nhuan District Department of Education and Training requires primary schools to develop review plans for students and have separate tutoring plans for weak students. Schools need to announce test schedules and coordinate with families to prepare good learning conditions for students.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

"Absolutely do not chase after achievements to cope, put pressure, create a tense and heavy atmosphere for teachers, students and their families. Reviewing is done right in the classroom, do not assign homework for classes that have 2 sessions/day; do not prepare outlines, sample papers for students to do, do not organize memorization of sample papers; teachers need to guide students on how to self-study and review", the Department of Education and Training of this district directed.

Do not arbitrarily raise or lower scores when grading students' papers.

In the instructions sent to elementary school principals, the Department of Education and Training of District 7 noted the work of marking test papers by teachers.

Accordingly, the test is corrected by the teacher, the advantages are commented on and the limitations are suggested, and the final score is given on a scale of 10 (ten), without 0 (zero) and decimal points (rounded according to regulations).

At the same time, teachers are not allowed to arbitrarily raise or lower scores when grading students' papers. The grading instructions must be clear and include correct answers.

PHOTO: THUY HANG