THE SITUATION IN LATVIA

Within the secondary education, a pupil has to study 6 obligatory subjects (in minority schools 8 subjects): the Latvian language and literature, mathematics (algebra and geometry), history, foreign language, PE, ICT, minority language and literature; and optional subjects, in away, that each student has chosen 12 subjects in total. At least one subject has to be taken on the level of a profile course. Assessment is based on the internal assessment. Assessment may be the following:

10 - with distinction;		5 - satisfactory;
9 - excellent;			4 - almost satisfactory;
8 - very good;			3 - weak;
7 - good;			2 - very weak;
6 - almost good; 		1 - very very weak.

The work with centralised test system in secondary school is being started. In 1997/1998 there was a centralised examination in the English language. The model for examinations in other subjects is worked out. Final tests are made in accordance with definite regulations, covering all levels of pupils' headwork. The goal is to control the educational level of pupil, comparing it with the achievements of other pupils. In school year 1998/99, the centralised examinations are held in foreign languages, mathematics and the Latvian language and literature for minority schools. This exam is combined with certification of the knowledge of the state language - the pupils receive assessment of their knowledge and the certificate (level 1-3) of knowledge (later necessary for entrance exams or employment). The content of the exam is common both for general course and advanced course.

Exams could be held as

1. written exams (the contents and the working sheets is elaborated by the Center of Curriculum and Examination, Ministry of Education and Science);
   
2. combined (language exams, contents and working sheets for the exam are prepared by the Center of Curriculum and Examinations, Ministry of Education and Science);
   
3. Oral exams. (The exam questions are prepared by subject teachers, based on the syllabus elaborated by the Center of Curriculum and Examination, Ministry of Education and Science).

In 2001 to the higher educational establishments of Latvia will be offered the real possibility to combine final tests in 12th grade of secondary school with the entrance examinations.

In connection with the planned transition towards educational programs, the number of exams and the shape of exams might change to comply with the profile subject of the educational programs.

The exam results have to be assessed according to the 10-mark scale. In the centralised exams that aims in proficiency test, pupils receive assessment by levels (with the help of statistical method - norm referenced and criteria referenced assessment. At present the assessment is on ten levels. However, in future the assessment might be changed to 6 levels (A-F).

Pupil receives a document of secondary education if he/she has any assessment within 12 school subjects and assessment in 5 exams.

At present pupils have to pass school-leaving exams and separate entrance exams if he/she wishes to enter higher education at he institution of higher education. In some cases admission to higher education is based on the competition of certificates of secondary education.

When pupils pass centralised exams, receive a certificate concerning their achievement. Few faculties and sometimes also employees respect these assessments.

The examination session is in May - June with an opportunity to pass compulsory and written exams in additional time period - end of June, beginning of July. The time frame of examination session is limited by autonomy of institutions of higher education. Institutions of higher education have the rights to organise the entrance exams not later then mid-July.

The instruction for the examinations is elaborated. Exam has to be lead by a teacher who is not a subject teacher of the examination subject. In the centralised examinations there has to be an observer. Observer is the subject teacher from a neighbouring school. Exam works are assessed at he school, usually during the period of 3-4 days. The assessment of centralised exams takes period less than 5 weeks. These exam works are assessed twice. The oral part of examination has to be tape-recorded and is assessed both at school and at the examination center.

Both schoolteachers and staff from institutions of higher education participate in the elaborating the contents of examination and assessment.