Student Assessment Regulations 2025: Integrating Tests and Distributing Grades
The Saudi Ministry of Education has announced the key features of the new student assessment regulations for 2025, coinciding with the approach of the first semester exams. This step is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to develop the education system in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which focuses on improving educational outcomes and shifting from rote learning to developing skills and critical thinking.
The shift towards continuous formative assessment
In a fundamental shift in assessment methods, the Ministry has confirmed the adoption of a new approach that establishes the concept of "formative assessment" as a cornerstone. Under this approach, oral and practical tests will be integrated as an integral part of the year's work, conducted continuously within daily class sessions rather than being isolated in separate exam schedules. This measure aims to alleviate students' fear of exams and make the assessment process a continuous journey that contributes to enhancing understanding and reinforcing information over time.
Redistributing grades and flexibility in assessment
The new regulations clarify that the distribution of grades between coursework and final exams has been restructured with carefully considered ratios to ensure a comprehensive assessment of skills and knowledge. The Ministry also granted schools broader authority and greater flexibility in selecting appropriate assessment tools and methods, taking into account individual student differences and ensuring educational equity.
Supporting people with disabilities and focusing on basic skills
To promote inclusivity, the regulations include detailed procedures for assessing students with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments, to ensure an equitable environment that supports their full inclusion. Regarding foundational skills, the Ministry emphasized a rigorous standard for the first and second grades of primary school, requiring mastery of reading and writing skills in Arabic as a prerequisite for advancing to the next grade level. This reflects a commitment to addressing learning gaps in the early stages.
Behavior and attendance assessment: Character building
The regulations also addressed educational and behavioral aspects, allocating 100 points for attendance each academic term and 100 points for extracurricular programs that develop values and skills. Regarding behavior, a new system was adopted, awarding 80% to general positive conduct and 20% to exemplary conduct, thus motivating students towards ethical excellence and fostering a positive school environment. This system underscores that school is not merely a place for academic achievement, but also a nurturing environment for building a well-rounded student.
Educational experts believe that these updates will contribute to raising the efficiency of the educational process, as they allow the teacher more time to focus on the weaknesses of students and address them immediately. Also, conducting final exams within the school day in the last week enhances school organization and reduces the psychological and social pressures associated with traditional exam seasons.
