The national examination system
Test is a special procedure for measuring person`s skills and knowledge, which is based on special regulations and laws.
Performance of a pupil can be measured by testing it in writing, orally, practically or by combining all elements.
Test is a way to assess pupil`s performance according to State education standards, expressing it in certain evaluation (by description or by performance level).
Teacher organises tests in order to control and improve pupils` everyday performance by regular tests or so called “minor tests” or evaluating performance of the pupil at the end of a semester or at the end of a school year (final tests or so called “major tests”, national tests).
The types of State examinations are:
- national test;
- examination;
- centralised examination.
Centralized examinations are an essential element of the assessment of the
quality of general education. The centralized examination is a national level
test upon the completion of the secondary education level, which has been
developed according to a special methodology. The development of each
centralized examination takes nearly two years. In Latvia centralized
examinations are analysed, based on the distribution analysis and also according
to specific criteria. The test results are classified according to six
performance levels: A, B, C, D, E, F, where A shows the best results, but F –
the worst result. The aim of a centralized examination is to test the knowledge
and skills of pupils in accordance with the requirements of the national
secondary education standard and the respective subject standard. The
centralized examination comprises testing of the knowledge, skills and
creativity of the pupil, and is structured into several parts depending on
the specifics of the respective subject. The system of centralized examinations
allows to obtain objective and reliable data of the knowledge, skills and
abilities of the pupil. It is possible to take exams for all interested
individuals: the graduates from the institutions of secondary education in the
respective academic year, other individuals who have not taken the centralized
examinations, external students, individuals involved in secondary vocational
training programs, individuals who would like to improve their results, and
individuals who have taken the centralized examinations more than five years
ago.
For graduating from secondary school, pupils should take five examinations: three examinations specified by the Ministry of Education and Science, an examination specified by the school, and one examination chosen by the pupil. Centralized examinations take place at the end of studies in Grade 12 on May and June.
The creators of tests include various tasks (objectively assessable ones that have one correct answer; subjectively assessable, where different answers are possible, and where evaluation depends from certain criteria). In centralised examinations subjectively assessable test criteria are aligned and confirmed in assessors meeting in order to maintain the same criteria.
The State Development Examination Unit of ISEC studies pupils` achievements and decides whether they comply with State general standard requirements; The State Development Examination prepares and multiplies State examinations and ensures the administration of centralised exams.
