Quote of the Week: "The desire to become a tractor driver will be dashed by the State Final Attestation"

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Context

Learn: The Profession of Methodologist from Scratch to PRO

The Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Education plays a key role in the formation and implementation of educational policy in Russia. This high-profile position requires a deep understanding of current issues in the field of education, as well as the ability to interact with various stakeholders. The chairman's work includes the development of legislative initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education, supporting educational institutions and raising the level of pedagogical excellence. An important part of the committee's activities is also the analysis of existing educational programs and their adaptation to modern requirements. The Chairman actively participates in discussions on education funding, the implementation of innovative technologies, and increasing the availability of educational resources for all segments of the population. This approach ensures not only the development of the education system but also the formation of a competitive nation in the context of globalization.

At the plenary session of the State Duma, held on November 27, 2024, key issues related to current legislative initiatives were discussed. Participants reviewed draft laws aimed at improving social policy, economic development, and ensuring citizens' rights. Topics related to the fight against corruption and improving the investment climate in the country were also raised. The discussions were constructive, demonstrating the deputies' commitment to effectively addressing pressing issues. The important initiatives announced at the meeting will contribute to the further development of legislation and improve the quality of life for citizens.

The final assessment system for ninth-grade students needs to be improved, as those who aspire to become tractor drivers may encounter difficulties related to the State Final Attestation (GIA). Perhaps the existing exam should be modified. It's impossible to completely eliminate the exam, but its format can be adapted. In the past, more effective exams existed that allowed students to successfully pass and continue their education in college. If students plan to enter tenth grade, the current assessment system should remain relevant, ensuring adequate preparation and assessment of student knowledge.

The Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Education plays a key role in shaping the country's educational policy. Their responsibilities include developing legislation aimed at improving the quality of education and monitoring compliance with federal educational standards. An important part of the Chairman's work is interaction with educational institutions, teachers, and parents, ensuring that the opinions and interests of all participants in the educational process are taken into account. In addition, the committee chair represents Russia's interests in international educational organizations and initiates cooperation with foreign colleagues to exchange experiences and implement best practices in the education system.

At the plenary session of the State Duma, held on November 27, 2024, current legislative issues were discussed. Participants considered a number of bills aimed at improving the socioeconomic situation in the country. The focus was on issues related to budget policy, healthcare, and education.

The deputies noted the importance of a timely response to the challenges facing society and the need to develop effective strategies to address them. The discussion of the bills was constructive, with participants expressing opinions and suggestions for improving the initiatives presented.

Such interaction between deputies and the government contributes to a more transparent and open decision-making process, which, in turn, reflects the interests of citizens and contributes to the development of democracy in the country. Plenary sessions of the State Duma remain an important tool in implementing legislative initiatives and shaping public policy.

The final assessment system for ninth-grade students needs to be improved to maintain student interest in future professions, such as tractor driver. Existing exams, including the State Final Attestation (GIA), can become an obstacle to this. It is important to modify the exam format to meet modern requirements and the interests of young people. While it is impossible to completely eliminate assessment, it is necessary to adapt it so that it does not discourage students from pursuing careers. Previously existing exams allowed graduates to successfully enter colleges and continue their education. For those planning to move on to tenth grade, it is important to maintain the current assessment system, which will facilitate the development of their potential.

Context

At the plenary session of the State Duma on November 27, a "government hour" was held dedicated to the secondary vocational education (SVE) system. State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin announced the key topics for discussion on his Telegram channel: the high proportion of paid tuition in colleges, the predominance of specialties in economics and law over blue-collar jobs, and the unsatisfactory state of the material and technical infrastructure of educational institutions. These problems require immediate solutions to improve the quality of vocational education and the training of qualified specialists.

At the meeting, chaired by Vyacheslav Volodin and other deputies, the issue of abolishing mandatory state examinations (OGE and USE) for admission to colleges and technical schools was discussed. The lower house of parliament believes that the State Final Examination (SFE) could become an obstacle for graduates seeking a vocational profession. This initiative is aimed at simplifying the admissions process and improving access to vocational education.

It is important to note that when applying to secondary vocational education institutions (SVE), OGE and USE results are currently not directly considered. Priority is given to grades on the school certificate and specialized entrance examinations. These examinations are necessary for those professions and specialties that require specific skills and abilities. Therefore, applicants should focus on achieving high scores on the school certificate and preparing for specialized examinations to increase their chances of admission to their desired educational institution.

Passing the OGE and USE with the minimum acceptable scores is a mandatory requirement for receiving a school certificate for the 9th and 11th grades. If a ninth-grader fails the Basic State Exam (BSE), they will not be able to receive a certificate and apply to secondary vocational educational institutions. In this case, they will have to retake the BSE. Similarly, an eleventh-grader will not be issued a secondary general education certificate unless they pass the Unified State Exam (USE) in Russian language and mathematics (at least at the basic level) with the minimum required score. This emphasizes the importance of exam preparation and the need to pass them successfully for continued education.

If an applicant is applying based on 9th grade, BSE results influence the grades on their certificate. This, in turn, influences the competition for average certificate scores, which is held in colleges and technical schools, especially in cases where the number of applicants exceeds the number of available places. Thus, successfully passing the OGE can significantly increase the chances of admission to a desired educational institution.

In accordance with the Procedure for Completing, Recording, and Issuing Certificates of Basic and Secondary General Education, as well as Their Duplicate, final grades for the 9th grade in the subjects "Russian Language," "Mathematics," and two selected disciplines are calculated as the arithmetic mean of the student's annual and exam grades. These grades are recorded in the certificate as whole numbers, in accordance with established rules of mathematical rounding. Thus, the assessment system ensures transparency and fairness in determining final learning outcomes.

The speeches by Irina Belykh and other deputies underscore the view that final exams for college applicants in their current form are unnecessary. For example, Vyacheslav Volodin asked Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov, "Why do those who intend to become welders or crane operators need the Basic State Exam (BSE) and the Unified State Exam (USE)?" This prompts a discussion about how the process of obtaining a profession in in-demand blue-collar jobs should be as accessible and simple as possible, eliminating the need for the BSE. Given the acute shortage of skilled workers in the country, simplifying admission procedures could help attract more students to professions that are critical to the economy.

Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko expressed support for several proposals voiced by deputies, including initiatives to simplify the admissions process for secondary vocational education (SVE) programs. He stated that this issue, along with other aspects, will be addressed as part of the preparation of a new strategy for the development of education in Russia through 2040. Simplifying the admission process for secondary vocational education (SVE) professions is aimed at increasing the accessibility and quality of education, which is key to developing a competitive workforce in the country.