Monitoring Student Progress in Mathematics and Science
Since 2005, students in the ninth grade of primary school have been required to take a national examination, Testing 9 (Testovanie 9), which assesses student abilities and knowledge in the language of instruction, literature, and mathematics. Students attending schools where instruction is delivered in minority languages are tested in Slovak language and literature, as well. Examination results may provide decisive admission criteria for secondary schools.24
In November 2015, a national examination of students in the fifth grade of primary school, Testing 5 (Testovanie 5), was administered for the first time. The testing was compulsory for all students except students with mental disabilities and covered the language of instruction (Slovak or Hungarian), literature, and mathematics. The main objective of Testing 5 is to assess student knowledge at the beginning of ISCED 2, and provide schools with feedback on how well students are prepared for the transition from ISCED 1 to ISCED 2. Testing 5 also aims to monitor student knowledge and skills at the national level at the end of ISCED 1.25
The use of other standardized tests is not compulsory for schools, but most schools use some type of commercially prepared tests.
The Education Act prescribes various forms of student assessment. Teachers conduct ongoing assessment of student performance using numeric grades (on a five point scale), oral examinations, and a combination of the two. Up to the fourth grade, assessment may comprise oral examinations exclusively. Continuous assessment is conducted throughout the school year and is based on observations, student activities, oral examinations, written examinations, and other assignments (e.g., projects). Twice per school year (at the end of January and the end of June), students receive assessment feedback with the final evaluation in June presented as a report card.
Students who pass in all subjects advance to the next grade. Students who fail to complete or pass the end of year examination for up to two subjects may retake the examinations with the permission of the school principal. If students pass the examinations the second time, they may advance to the next grade. Students who fail end-of-year examinations in more than two subjects or who fail examination retakes must repeat the grade.