Kazakhstan to Abolish Summative Assessments in Primary Schools – Minister

Minister of Education Zhuldyz Suleimenova announced that the system of summative assessment for sections (SAS) and summative assessment for quarters (SAQ) will be abolished in primary schools. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.

Earlier, the minister shared plans for a gradual phase-out of SAS and SAQ. In this regard, the reintroduction of dictations, summaries, and essays is being considered.

"Currently, the Ministry of Education is discussing the abolition of SAS and SAQ in primary schools. Because the standards introduced in 2016, as well as criteria-based assessment, are not fulfilling their goals. We clearly see this," Suleimenova said in an interview with journalists.

According to the minister, teachers and parents support this initiative.