Centralized tests: measuring learning outcomes and psychological readiness
The education system in Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant transformations aimed at improving educational outcomes. Standardized testing one of the most important tools the Ministry of Education relies on to accurately and objectively measure learning outcomes. This approach aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which focuses on enhancing the efficiency of the education system and boosting the global competitiveness of Saudi students.
The importance of standardized tests in the educational context
A group of educators and specialists affirmed that standardized tests represent a qualitative leap compared to traditional tests, as they aim to achieve fairness and equality in assessment across all schools. Dr. Amira Saad Al-Zahrani, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, explained that these tests possess high psychometric properties that ensure validity and reliability, making their results a reliable indicator for developing improvement plans.
For his part, measurement and evaluation specialist Nasser Al-Saqr pointed out that adopting unified standards reduces individual biases in correction, which gives a true picture of the level of academic achievement, and helps in diagnosing educational gaps with high accuracy.
Psychological preparation: The role of the school and the family
The success of these tests depends not only on academic achievement but also, and perhaps more importantly, on psychological preparedness. In this regard, educator Noura Musleh Al-Maliki explained that schools play a pivotal role in providing a calm and stress-reducing environment through careful organization and positive support for students.
Dr. Badi Bin Qwaid, a specialist in mathematics education, agreed with her, stressing the importance of activating formative assessment and making testing a familiar practice to break the barrier of fear, emphasizing the need to balance organizational aspects and psychological support.
Teacher Faten Al-Shadawi also pointed out that familiarizing students with the question format and linking it to the curriculum content helps reduce anxiety, while teacher Ghada Al-Sharif indicated that prior training on simulated models enhances students' self-confidence.
Analyzing the results and developing treatment plans
The value of standardized tests goes beyond simply recording scores; they are an effective diagnostic tool. According to teachers Hamed Al-Wadaei and Sanaa Al-Qahtani, analyzing these results helps identify strengths and weaknesses, enabling teachers to design remedial and enrichment plans that target missing skills, rather than focusing solely on memorization and rote learning.
Community partnership and the role of parents
Parent Ali Abdulrahman Al-Salem concluded by emphasizing that family awareness of the nature and objectives of these tests is crucial in reassuring children. He pointed out that continuous communication between school and home, organized study time, and a focus on deep understanding of the content are essential pillars for ensuring student success and achieving the national goals set by these tests.
