In Moscow, approximately one-third of ninth-graders are sitting for two government-administered tests.
Sure thing, buddy! Let's talk about the shake-up in final exams for ninth-graders happening this year, focusing on Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Lipetsk region.
These regions are doing things differently. Instead of four mandatory exams, students in these areas can take only two: Russian and mathematics. This experimentation is all about encouraging the underachieving students to take a leap towards vocational education in colleges and technical schools. The idea is to equip these students with the skills to earn a living within a couple of years, and if they fancy it, they can further their knowledge with a university diploma in professional education.
Now, here's the lowdown on the Lipetsk region. Over 6,000 ninth-graders have registered for these two exams - that's nearly half the total number. With 7,700 budgeted spots available in colleges, there's plenty of room for everyone! Admission will be based on average grades in the diploma, with OGE results stepping in to break any ties.
In Moscow, around a third of ninth-graders (40,000 out of 116,000) have chosen this experimental route. The education department has even opened up an additional 5,000 spots in colleges for this experiment. Admission to vocational education in Moscow will be based on OGE scores for specific specialties. Colleges not part of the experiment will cling to the old admission method, focused on average grades in the diploma.
Things aren't as hot in St. Petersburg, though, with only 7.7% of ninth-graders opting for the experimental two-exam plan.
The test-taking commenced on May 21 and is set to wrap up on June 16. We're right in the middle at the moment, with students sitting for the mandatory math and Russian exams on Jun 3 and 6, respectively. These are the exams forming the experimental duo for these regions. Officials will analyze the results over winter to determine the success of this experiment and decide whether to continue it in the coming year.
Now, you might wonder why they're doing things differently. I mean, everyone's been doing exams the same way for ages, right? Wrong! Some believe that traditional exams don't deliver the practical skills that make students ready for the real world. By changing the format, authorities aim to foster a more adaptable learning environment that better aligns with vocational education goals. New approaches could lead to better preparation for the workforce, a more relevant vocational education system, and increased career readiness for students. So, it's all about shaking things up to see if it leads to better outcomes for our students!
- The experiment in Moscow and other regions for ninth-graders involves a shift in focus from general education to vocational education and self-development, as students now only need to take two exams, specifically in Russian and mathematics.
- The Lipetsk region has seen a significant registration of over 6,000 students for these two exams, with general news reporting that this change may lead to new approaches in education and career readiness.
