Circular No. 22/2021/TT-BGDDT dated July 20, 2021 on assessment of students in lower secondary and upper secondary education levels

CIRCULAR

ON ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS IN LOWER SECONDARY AND UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION LEVELS

Pursuant to Education Law dated June 14, 2019;

Pursuant to Decree 69/2017/ND-CP dated May 25, 2017 of the Government on functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

At request of Director General of Secondary Education Department;

Minister of Education and Training promulgates Circular on assessment of students in lower secondary and upper secondary education levels.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

...

...

...

1. This Circular prescribes assessment of training and learning results of students in lower secondary education level and students in upper secondary education level (hereinafter referred to as “students”), including: assessment of training and learning results of students; use of assessment results; responsibilities of agencies, organizations, and individuals.

2. This Circular applies to lower secondary education institutions, upper secondary education institutions, multi-level education institutions, specialized education institutions, and other education institutions providing formal education program issued by Minister of Education and Training (hereinafter referred to as “formal education program”), relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Article 2. Term interpretation

In this Circular, terms below are construed as follows:

1. “assessment of training and learning results of students” refers to the acts of collecting, analyzing, and processing information via monitoring, supervising, exchanging, examining, and providing feedback regarding training and learning processes of students in all mandatory subjects, optional subjects, local education contents (hereinafter referred to as “subjects”) within formal education program; advising, guiding, and motivating students; verifying achieved results of students; providing feedback to students and teachers to adjust teaching and education processes (hereinafter referred to as “teaching”).

2. “regular assessment” refers to the acts of assessing training and learning results of students which take place during teaching process as per requirements under the formal education program; providing feedback to teachers and students to promptly adjust teaching process; supporting and promoting development of students; verifying attained results of students during implementation of training and learning tasks.

3.“periodic assessment” refers to the acts of assessing training and learning results after a certain period in a school year in order to identify level of accomplishment of training and learning tasks of students as per requirements under the formal education program; providing feedback to education officials, teachers, and students to adjust teaching activities; verifying attained results of students.

Article 3. Assessment objectives

Conduct assessment in order to identify level of accomplishment of training and learning tasks of students as per requirements under formal education program; provide accurate and timely information to allow students to adjust training and learning activities while allowing education officials and teachers to adjust teaching activities.

...

...

...

1. Conduct assessment based on requirements under formal education program.

2. Conduct assessment while ensuring accuracy, integrity, fairness, honesty, and objectivity.

3. Conduct assessment via multiple methods, forms, techniques, and tools; combine regular assessment and periodic assessment.

4. Conduct assessment for student’s improvement; prioritize motivating and encouraging efforts of students in training and learning; do not compare students with one another.

Chapter II

ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING AND LEARNING RESULTS OF STUDENTS

Article 5. Form of assessment

1.Conduct assessment via feedback

a) Teachers shall, in either spoken form or written form, provide feedback on implementation of training and learning tasks of students; provide feedback on improvement, advantages, and disadvantages of students during training and learning processes; provide feedback on training and learning results of students.

...

...

...

c) Parents of students, agencies, and organizations participating in education of students shall provide feedback on implementation of training and learning tasks of students.

d) Assessment conducted based on providing feedback on training and learning results of students shall be used in regular assessment and periodic assessment via examination and assessment regarding implementation of training and learning tasks of students depending on subject’s characteristics.

2. Conduct assessment via scores

a) Teachers shall use scores to assess training and learning results of students.

d) Assessment conducted based on scores shall be used in regular assessment and periodic assessment via examination and assessment regarding implementation of training and learning tasks of students depending on subject’s characteristics.

3. Assessment methods for subjects

a) Conduct assessment for: Physical education (PE), Art, Music, Fine Arts, local education subjects, experience learning activities, and career counseling; learning results of subjects shall be categorized as “Đạt” (Qualified) or “Chưa đạt” (Unqualified).

b) Conduct assessment based on both feedback and scores for subjects in formal education program, except for those under Point a of this Clause; subject-based learning results shall be given in a total of 10 scores, any other form of scores must be converted to 10-score model. Assessment score must be an integer or a decimal number rounded to the nearest tenths.

Article 6. Regular assessment

...

...

...

2. In each subject, each student shall be examined and assessed multiple times where several examinations and assessment satisfactory to teaching progress as per education plans of specialized departments are selected and the results thereof are recorded in student monitor and assessment record (by classes) in order to assess learning results of a subject according to Clause 1 Article 9 hereof as follows:

a) For subjects where assessment is conducted via feedback (does not include learning topics): choose twice each semester.

b) For subjects where assessment is conducted via both feedback and scores (does not include learning topics), choose regular assessment scores (hereinafter referred to as “DDG_tx”) in each semester as follows:

- Subjects that have 35 periods/school year: 2 DDG_tx.

- Subjects that have from more than 35 periods/school year to 70 periods/school year: 3 DDG_tx.

- Subjects that have more than 70 periods/school year: 4 DDGtx.

3. For learning topics in upper secondary education level, each student shall be examined and assessed in each learning topic, where results of an instance of examination and assessment shall be used as assessment results for the entire learning topics. Assessment results of learning topics of a subject shall equal results of one instance of regular assessment of the subject, and shall be recorded in student monitor and assessment record (by classes) for use in assessing subject results according to Clause 1 Article 9 hereof.

Article 7. Periodic assessment

1. Periodic assessment (does not apply to learning topics) consists of mid-semester assessment and end term assessment and is implemented via: examination (on test paper or on computer), practice exercises, or learning projects.

...

...

...

- For examination (on test paper or on computer) where assessment is made via scores, exam questions are developed based on exam mechanisms and characteristics in a manner that satisfies requirements of the subjects under formal education program.

- For examination (on test paper or on computer) where assessment is conducted via feedback, practice exercises, or learning projects, provide instructions and assessment criteria based on requirements of subjects under formal education program prior to implementation.

2. In each semester, each subject assessed via feedback shall be assessed once in the middle of the semester and once at the end of the semester.

3. In each semester, each subject assessed via both feedback and scores shall be given assessment scores once during the semester (hereinafter referred to as “DDG_gk”) and once at the end of the semester (hereinafter referred to as “DDG_ck”).

4. Students who fail to obtain sufficient assessment scores as per Clause 2 and Clause 3 of this Article due to force majeure shall be eligible for attending the re-examination and re-assessment with corresponding qualification criteria. Organization of re-examination and re-assessment shall be performed in each semester.

5. In case students fail to attend re-examination and re-assessment according to Clause 4 of this Article shall be assessed as “Chưa đạt” (Unqualified) or given a score of 0 for the missing examination and/or assessment.

Article 8. Assessment of training results of students

1.Basis and organization of assessing learning results of students

a) Assess training results of students based on requirements for traits and general capacity by subjects and education level under general programs and requirements for specific capacity under subject program in formal education program.

...

...

...

c) Class advisors shall rely on Point a of this Clause to monitor training and learning process of students; consult feedback and assessment of subject teachers and feedback of students’ parents, relevant, agencies, organizations, and individuals in educating students; instruct students on how to perform self-assessment; provide feedback and assess training results of students based on categories under Clause 2 of this Article.

2.Training results of students in each semester and in the entire school year

Training results of students in each semester and in the entire school year shall be assessed by one of 4 categories: Excellent, Good, Qualified, Unqualified.

a) Training results of students in each semester

- Excellent: Satisfy requirements for traits under formal education program excellently and display merits.

- Good: Satisfy requirements for traits under formal education program well and display merits but not enough to be placed in Excellent category.

- Qualified: Satisfy requirements for traits under formal education program.

- Unqualified: Fail to satisfy requirements for traits under formal education program.

b) Training results of students in the entire school year

...

...

...

- Good: a student is placed in Good category in the 2^nd semester and Qualified category or higher in the 1st semester; or Qualified category in the 2^nd semester and Good category in the 1^st semester; or Good category in the 2^nd semester and Qualified category or Unqualified category in the 1^st semester.

- Qualified: a student is placed in Qualified category in the 2^nd semester and Good, Qualified, or Unqualified category in the 1^st category; or Good category in the 2^nd semester and Unqualified in the 1^st semester.

- Unqualified: other cases.

Article 9. Assessment of learning results of students

1.Learning results of students by subjects

a) For subjects assessed via feedback

- In a semester, learning results of each subject of a student shall be concluded as either: “Đạt” (Qualified), or “Chưa đạt” (Unqualified).

+ Qualified: When the student attends all examination and assessment under this Circular and obtain assessment at Qualified category.

+ Unqualified: Remaining cases.

...

...

...

+ Qualified: Learning results of the 2^nd semester is placed in Qualified category.

+ Unqualified: Learning results of the 2^nd semester is placed in Unqualified category.

b) For subjects assessed via both feedback and scores

- Average score of a subject in a semester (hereinafter referred to as “DTB_mhk”) is calculated as follows:

DTB_mhk =

TDDG_tx + 2 x DDG_gk + 3 x DDG_ck

Number of DDG_tx+ 5

TDDG_tx: Total scores of regular assessment.

- Average scores of the subject for the entire school year (referred to as “DTB_mcn”) is calculated as follows:

...

...

...

DTB_mhkI + 2 x DTB_mhkII

3

DTB_mhkI: Average score of the subject in the 1^st semester.

DTB_mhkII: Average score of the subject in the 2^nd semester.

2.Learning results in each semester and school year

For subjects assessed via both feedback and scores, DTB_mhk is used to assess learning results of a student in each semester while DTB_mcn is used to assess learning results of a student in the entire school year. Learning results of a student in each semester and in the entire school year shall be assessed by one of 4 categories: Excellent, Good, Qualified, Unqualified.

a) Excellent:

- All subjects assessed with feedback are placed in Qualified category.

- All subjects assessed by both feedback and scores have minimum scores of 6.5 for DTB_mhk and DTB_mcn with 6 subjects among which have minimum scores of 8.0 for DTB_mhk and DTB_mcn.

...

...

...

- All subjects assessed with feedback are placed in Qualified category.

- All subjects assessed by both feedback and scores have minimum scores of 5.0 for DTB_mhk and DTB_mcn with 6 subjects among which have minimum scores of 6.5 for DTB_mhk and DTB_mcn.

c) Good:

- Have no more than 1 subject assessed via feedback placed in Unqualified category.

- At least 6 subjects assessed by both feedback and scores have minimum scores of 5.0 for DTB_mhk and DTB_mcn with 0 subjects have scores lower than 3.4 for DTB_mhk and DTB_mcn.

d) Unqualified: Remaining cases.

3.Revision of learning assessment results

If learning assessment results of a semester and/or a school year is lowered by at least 2 categories from categories under Point a and Point b Clause 2 of this Article due to assessment results of a single subject, the learning assessment results of the semester and/or school year shall be raised up to the adjacent category.

Article 10. Assessment of students exempted from practice exercises in Physical education and National defense and security education

...

...

...

2. Application for exempting practice exercises in Physical education and National defense and security education consists of: Written application of students and medical record or certificates of disabilities issued by hospitals of districts or higher.

3. Exempting practice exercises in Physical education and National defense and security education for illnesses or accidents only apply to a school year; cases of chronic diseases, physical disabilities or prolonged impairment shall apply to all school years or the entire education level. Principals shall allow students to be exempted from practice exercises of Physical education and National defense and security education in each semester or school year.

4. Students who are exempted from Physical education and National defense and security education as per this Article must attend replacement theory examination and/or assessment to maintain sufficient number of examinations and/or assessments as per the law.

Article 11. Assessment of students with disabilities

1. Assessment of training and learning results of students with disabilities shall be implemented along with motivating and encouraging improvement of the students.

2. For students with disabilities who learn in form of inclusive education, training and learning results of subjects which students can satisfy as per requirements of formal education program shall be assessed in a manner similar to those of regular students with a slight decrease in requirements for training and learning results. Subjects which students with disabilities are in capable of satisfying as per requirements of formal education program shall be assessed according to personal education plans; subjects which the students with disabilities are exempted from shall not be examined and assessed.

3. For students with disabilities who attend to specialized education methods, training and learning results of the students that satisfy requirements of specialized education program shall be assessed according to regulations on specialized education. For subjects which students with disabilities are incapable of satisfying according to specialized education requirements, assessment of training and learning results shall be conducted based on personal education plans.

Chapter III

USE OF ASSESSMENT RESULTS

...

...

...

1. A student who meets following eligibility may advance to the next grade or be recognized as to have completed lower education program or upper education program:

a) Training results of the entire school year (including re-assessment results after training during summer break according to Article 13 hereof) are Qualified or higher.

b) Learning results of the entire school year (including re-assessment results of all subjects according to Article 14 hereof) is Qualified or higher.

c) Number of days leave does not exceed 45 half-days (calculated according to education plans which is 1 half-day for every day under formal education plan, including permitted leave, unpermitted leave, continuous leave, and intermittent leave).

2. In case a student must undergo training during summer break, comply with Article 13 hereof; students must attend re-examination or re-assessment of subjects during summer break as per Article 14 hereof.

3. A student who does not meet all eligibility under Clause 1 of this Article are not allowed to advance to the next grade or recognized as to have completed lower secondary education level or upper secondary education level.

4. For students with disabilities: Principals shall rely on assessment results of students with disabilities as per Article 11 hereof to consider grade advancement or recognition of completion of lower secondary education level or upper secondary education level.

Article 13. Training during summer break

1. A student with Unqualified training results for the whole school year must undergo training during summer break.

...

...

...

3. Based on forms of training during summer break, class advisors shall assign summer training tasks to students and inform students’ parents. At the end of the summer, if training tasks are considered completed by class advisors (reports on training progress and results must be produced and bear signatures of students' parents), class advisors shall request principals to conduct re-assessment of training results of the entire school year of students. Re-assessment results shall be used in place of training results of the entire school year which are used for considering grade advancement under Article 12 hereof.

Article 14. Re-examination and re-assessment of subjects during summer break

Students who are ineligible for grade advancement while obtaining Qualified training results for the entire school year and Unqualified learning results for the entire school year may receive re-assessment of learning results of subjects in which the students achieve Unqualified results (for subjects assessed via feedback) and subjects with DTB_mcn less than 5.0 (for subjects assessed via both feedback and scores). Re-assessment results of a subject shall be used in place of learning results for the entire year of respective subject for considering grade advancement under Article 12 hereof.

Article 15. Commendations

1. Principals shall award certificates of achievement for students

a) End-of-year commendation

- Award the title “Học sinh Xuất sắc” (Excellent student) for students who have obtained Excellent training and learning results for the entire school year and achieved DTB_mcn of at least 9.0 in subjects that are assessed via both feedback and scores.

- Award the title “Học sinh Giỏi” (Good student) for students who have obtained Excellent training and learning results for the entire school year.

b) Commend students for having unexpected merits in training and learning in the school year.

...

...

...

Chapter IV

RESPONSIBILITIES OF AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS

Article 16. Responsibilities of Departments of Education and Training

1. Direct student assessment within their competence.

2. Direct and instruct education institutions to employ student monitor and assessment records (by classes), student monitor and assessment records (of teachers), and Education records using form under Annex attached hereto. In case of employing electronic documents, Departments of Education and Training shall provide guidelines on implementation depending on conditions of local administrative divisions, schools, implementation capacity of teachers, and guarantee legitimacy of electronic documents.

3. Assume responsibilities for examining and dealing with difficulties during implementation of this Circular in local administrative divisions.

4. Submit reports on organization of student assessment to Ministry of Education and Training as per the law.

Article 17. Responsibilities of Sub-departments of Education and Training

1. Direct implementation of assessment of students in secondary education level within local administrative divisions.

...

...

...

3. Assume responsibilities for examining and dealing with difficulties during implementation of this Circular in local administrative divisions.

4. Submit reports on organization of student assessment to Departments of Education and Training as per the law.

Article 18. Responsibilities of principals

1. Manage and instruct teachers, staff, and students on how to implement and inform students’ parents about this Circular.

2. Organize student assessment as per this Circular in education institutions; direct, examine, and supervise regular assessment and periodic assessment implemented by teachers; on a monthly basis, record feedback and countersign in student monitor and assessment records (by classes).

3. Examine and assess recording of results into student monitor and assessment records (by classes), student monitor and assessment records (of teachers), and Education records of subject teachers, class advisors; allow subject teachers to revise score and/or assessment after obtaining verification of class advisors.

4. Organize re-examination and re-assessment of subjects according to Article 14 hereof; approve and publicize list of students eligible for class advancement once re-examination and re-assessment results of subjects during summer break are available.

5. Approve lists of students: eligible for class advancement, re-assessment in each subject, training during summer break, class retention, and commendations. Approve student assessment results in student monitor and assessment records (by classes) and Education record once all subject teachers and class advisors have filled in relevant contents.

6. Explain and deal with difficulties and propositions regarding student assessment within rights and powers of principals. Request competent authority to take actions against violating agencies, organizations, and individuals; issue commendation decisions within their competence, request competent authority to commend agencies, organizations, and individuals with merits in implementation hereof.

...

...

...

1. Conduct regular assessment; participate in periodic assessment as per assignment of principals; record or fill scores and assessment categories in student monitor and assessment records (by classes) and student monitor and assessment records (of teachers).

2. Calculate average subject scores (for subjects assessed via both feedback and scores); consolidate assessment category (for subjects assessed via feedback) by semester and school year; directly record or fill scores and assessment categories in student monitor and assessment records (by classes), student monitor and assessment records (of teachers), and education records.

3. Provide feedback on training results of students under Point b Clause 1 Article 8 hereof to class advisors.

Article 20. Responsibilities of class advisors

1. Assist principals in managing assessment of students according to this Circular.

2. Verify revision of scores and/or assessment categories of subject teachers; consolidate training and learning results of students in each semester and the entire school year in student monitor and assessment records (by classes) and education records.

3. Assess training results of each semester and the entire school year of students; produce lists of students eligible for grade advancement, re-assessment of specific subjects, training during summer break, class retention, and commendation.

4. Record or fill assessment results of each student in student monitor and assessment records (by classes) and education records:

a) Feedback on training and learning results of students; assessment category of training and learning results of students.

...

...

...

5. Instruct students on how to conduct self-assessment during training and learning process. Cooperate with subject teachers, The Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Representative Committees of students’ parents of classes, and relevant agencies, organizations, individuals in educating students and receiving information on training and learning process of students.

6. Informing students’ parents in particular about training and learning progress, results students.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 21. Entry into force

1. This Circular comes into force from September 5, 2021 according to following roadmap:

- From school year of 2021-2022 for the 6^th grade.

- From school year of 2022-2023 for the 7^th and 10^th grade.

- From school year of 2023-2024 for the 8^th and 11^th grade.

...

...

...

2. This Circular replaces Circular No. 58/2011/TT-BGDDT dated December 12, 2021 of Minister of Education and Training and Circular No. 26/2020/TT-BGDDT dated August 26, 2020 on amendment to Regulations on assessment and classification of lower secondary students and upper secondary students attached to Circular No. 58/2011/TT-BGDDT dated December 12, 2021 of Minister of Education and Training according to roadmap under Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 22.Chairpersons of People’s Committees of provinces and central-affiliated cities, Directors of Departments of Education and Training, and relevant agencies, organizations, individuals are responsible for implementation hereof.

PP. MINISTER
DEPUTY MINISTER




Nguyen Huu Do