Moldova tackles exam cheating: Tighter checks, free classes, cameras
Moldova's Ministry of Education is implementing a two-pronged strategy to combat potential cheating in high school entrance exams, focusing on both stricter oversight and student support.
Enhanced Scrutiny to Address Discrepancies
Minister Dan Perciun announced a tightening of administrative checks starting in 2024, particularly in districts where notable discrepancies exist between students' grades at the end of grade 9 and their performance on the high school graduation exams.
"We will definitely tighten administrative checks for certain districts in 2024," Perciun stated. "This means more personnel visiting schools in Chisinau and Balti on exam days, as these areas show noticeable disparities in results, suggesting potential systemic irregularities."
Centralised Grading and Tech-Based Solutions
To further ensure exam integrity, the ministry will centralise the grading of some student papers from regional schools, bypassing local committees potentially susceptible to manipulation. Additionally, the 2025 rollout of exam surveillance cameras is under discussion.
Investing in Student Success
Recognizing the importance of student preparedness, the ministry will launch a comprehensive support package in September 2024. This initiative includes free preparatory lessons for class 9 students to bolster their exam readiness, funded by a 100 million lei ($5 million) allocation from a World Bank project.
A Multifaceted Approach to Exam Fairness
The Ministry of Education's actions signal a commitment to addressing concerns about exam integrity in a multifaceted manner. While stricter oversight and potential camera use aim to deter cheating, free preparatory classes represent a proactive measure to equip students with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed legitimately. This combined approach could pave the way for a fairer and more reliable assessment system in Moldova's education sector.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
