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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Education is actively evaluating the possibility of discontinuing the current system of mid-term and unit assessments, known as SOR and SOCh, in schools nationwide. This potential shift was announced by Minister of Education Zhyldyz Suleimenova during a government briefing.

Review of the Criteria-Based Assessment System

Minister Suleimenova stated that the ministry is conducting a comprehensive analysis of the existing criteria-based assessment system. The current SOR and SOCh assessments are formally established within the educational standards.

Introduction of New Assessment Formats

The ministry is exploring the introduction of alternative assessment methods, including dictations, essays, and summaries, as part of a move towards a new evaluation format. Consequently, a gradual phasing out of SOCh tests is being considered, though this decision requires thorough justification and supporting analysis.

Suleimenova confirmed that the ministry has already analyzed student assignments and responses from grades 1 through 11 this year to inform this review.

Timeline for Final Decisions

A definitive decision regarding changes to the assessment system is expected to be announced by August, ahead of the annual teacher's conference. At that time, it will be clarified which grades will retain SOR and SOCh, and where these assessments will be replaced by alternative formats.

This is according to information from the Infohub.kz news agency.