"Education": One Short Exam from Fourth Grade Primary to Grade 12

The Ministry of Education has approved a decision to limit students in the middle and secondary stages, as well as the fourth and fifth grades of the primary stage, to a single short test during the current academic period. In a press statement, the ministry said the decision stipulates that only one short test per subject will be administered for the covered educational groups, clarifying that the higher score will be counted if a student takes two short tests in any subject, in a manner that safeguards students’ interests and ensures fairness in assessing their academic levels. It noted that this arrangement does not apply to primary stage students in grades one through three, who will continue to follow the Comprehensive Education Regulations, which mandate two short tests per subject, each worth five points. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to adhering to the provisions of the Comprehensive Education Regulations and standardizing assessment procedures across all educational stages and schools, thereby ensuring clarity in grading mechanisms, equal opportunity among learners, and consideration of individual differences and academic achievement levels. It explained that this test arrangement is part of its ongoing efforts to develop educational and assessment practices and to strike a balance between measuring students’ academic achievement and taking into account their academic circumstances, contributing to a stimulating learning environment that supports learning and enhances the outcomes of the educational process.