The Policy Studies Institute (PSI) and Addis Ababa University (AAU) have presented a proposal on the new national school leaving exam administration at the Premises of PSI on November 30,2023. The central thesis of the two giant institutions’ proposal is the recent exam administration exposes alarming decline in Ethiopia’s student performance.
H.E. Prof. Beyene Petros, Prof. Amare Asgedom, Dr. Belay Hagos(LR)
H.E. Prof. Beyene Petros, Director General of PSI, in his opening remarks said that the recently released results of the national school leaving exam have ignited a nationwide debate on the state of the education system in the country. The exam, which was intended to improve the quality of education and prevent cheating, has instead revealed a significant decline in student performance, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the education system.
Dr. Desalegn Anchiso
The Ministry of Education implemented a new exam administration system in the past two years, in collaboration with universities, to ensure transparency and integrity. However, the results have been shockingly poor, with only 3.2% of students achieving a passing score of 50% or above in the 2023 academic year. This follows a similar pass rate of 3.3% in the previous year.
The alarming statistics have left stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, and policymakers, deeply troubled. The Ministry of Education had attempted to justify the disappointing results in 2022, attributing them to the efforts to prevent cheating and promising improvement in the following year. However, the lack of progress in the 2023 results has cast doubt on these justifications.
The decline in exam scores has far-reaching implications for the country's human capital development and overall well-being. The government has invested significantly in the education sector, aiming to raise literacy rates, expand access to education, and enhance its quality. However, the current situation has resulted in financial setbacks, as additional budgets are required for the new exam administration system and remedial programs for failing students.
Moreover, the rise in the number of students failing the exam raises concerns about potential social and security issues. Failing students may face difficulties in their future prospects, impacting the economy, security, and social life of citizens. The government and relevant authorities must address these challenges promptly to mitigate the potential consequences.
While various factors may contribute to the declining exam scores, such as inadequate education service delivery, examination malpractices, and distractions from social media, there is a need for a comprehensive investigation into the root causes. This thorough scholarly inquiry will provide valuable evidence to guide the government in implementing remedial actions and interventions.
To address these concerns, a new research proposal has been initiated by both PSI and AAU to assess the recent dynamics in the national school leaving exam scores and the exam administration process.
The study aims to evaluate the compatibility of exam questions with the curriculum, examine the challenges and virtues of the current exam administration process based on stakeholders' perceptions, assess the influence of school resources on exam scores, and evaluate the readiness of current grade 12 students.
The study will employ a mixed-method research design, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Interviews and focus group discussions will be conducted with teachers, school administrators, students, parents, and invigilators to gather insights on various aspects related to the exam administration and educational environment.
The declining trend in students' scores highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the education system. The findings of the study will play a crucial role in guiding policymakers towards effective strategies to address the challenges and improve the quality of education in the country.
As the nation grapples with the alarming state of the education system, it is hoped that concerted efforts and reforms will be undertaken to ensure that every student receives quality education and has a fair chance at a promising future.