Circular No. 43/2021/TT-BGDĐT stipulates the evaluation of students enrolled in the General Education Program for lower secondary and upper secondary levels.

CIRCULAR

Regulations on assessment of students following the General Education Program for Lower Secondary School and Upper Secondary School levels

Pursuant to the Education Law dated June 14, 2019;

Pursuant to Decree No. 69/2017/NĐ-CP dated May 25, 2017 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

At the request of the Director of the Department of Continuing Education;

The Minister of Education and Training issues this Circular on regulations regarding the assessment of students following the General Education Program for Lower Secondary School and Upper Secondary School levels.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This Circular stipulates the assessment of the training and learning outcomes of students following the General Education Program for Lower Secondary School and Upper Secondary School levels (hereinafter referred to collectively as the General Education Program), including: assessment of the training and learning outcomes of students; utilization of assessment results; responsibilities of agencies, organizations, and individuals.

2. This Circular applies to general education centers, vocational education and general education centers, educational institutions permitted to implement the General Education Program (hereinafter referred to collectively as general education institutions); relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Assessment of the training and learning outcomes of students is an activity involving the collection and processing of information through observation, monitoring, exchange, testing, and evaluation of the training and learning processes of students in compulsory subjects, elective subjects, and educational activities (hereinafter referred to collectively as subjects) within the General Education Program; counseling, guidance, and encouragement of students; confirmation of students' achievements; provision of feedback information to teachers and students to adjust the teaching and education process (hereinafter referred to collectively as teaching).

2. Continuous assessment is an activity assessing the training and learning outcomes of students during the implementation of the teaching process according to the requirements set forth in the General Education Program; provision of feedback information to teachers and students to promptly adjust the teaching process; support and promotion of student progress; confirmation of students' achievements in the implementation of training and learning tasks.

3. Periodic assessment is an activity assessing the training and learning outcomes of students at the end of a stage within the school year to determine the extent to which students have completed their training and learning tasks according to the requirements set forth in the General Education Program; provision of feedback information to educational management staff, teachers, and students to adjust teaching activities; confirmation of students' achievements.

4. Test description form is a detailed guide and description of information about the purpose, objectives of the assessment, the structure of the test, question formats, number of questions in each format, and distribution of questions across each assessment objective to assist management bodies, educational institutions, and teachers in writing a complete test.

Article 3. Purpose of assessment

Assessment aims to determine the extent to which students have completed their training and learning tasks according to the requirements set forth in the General Education Program; provide accurate and timely information for students to adjust their training and learning activities, and for educational management staff and teachers to adjust their teaching activities.

Article 4. Requirements for assessment

1. Assessment is based on the requirements set forth in the General Education Program.

2. Assessment ensures accuracy, comprehensiveness, fairness, honesty, and objectivity.

3. Assessment uses various methods, forms, techniques, and tools; combines process assessment with summative assessment, with emphasis on process assessment.

4. Assessment is aimed at promoting student progress; emphasizes encouragement and motivation for students' efforts in training and learning; does not compare students with each other.

Chapter II

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS' TRAINING AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Article 5. Forms of Evaluation

1. Evaluation by Comment

a) Teachers use oral or written comments to evaluate the performance of students in their training and learning tasks; comment on the progress, outstanding strengths, and main limitations of students during the training and learning process; assess the results of training and learning of students.

b) Students use oral or written comments to self-evaluate their performance in training and learning tasks, their progress, outstanding strengths, and main limitations.

c) Parents of students or organizations, agencies, or individuals involved in the education of students provide feedback information on the performance of students in their training and learning tasks.

d) Evaluation by comment on the results of training and learning of students is used in regular evaluations through various forms of testing and assessing the performance of students in their training and learning tasks, suitable for the characteristics of each subject.

2. Evaluation by Score

a) Teachers use scores to evaluate the results of training and learning of students.

b) Evaluation by score is used in regular and periodic evaluations through various forms of testing and assessing the performance of students in their training and learning tasks, suitable for the characteristics of each subject.

3. Forms of Evaluation for Subjects Evaluation by comment combined with evaluation by score is applied to subjects in the Regular Education Program; the learning outcomes of each subject are evaluated by score on a scale of 10 points, if another scale is used, it must be converted to a scale of 10 points. The evaluation score is an integer or decimal number rounded to the first decimal place.

Article 6. Regular Evaluation

1. Regular evaluation is conducted through: question-and-answer sessions, writing, presentations, practical exercises, experiments, learning products.

2. For each subject, each student is tested and evaluated multiple times, among which a certain number of tests and evaluations are selected according to the teaching progress plan of the subject team, recorded in the Student Monitoring and Evaluation Book (by class) for use in evaluating the subject learning outcomes as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 9 of this Circular. Each subject (excluding study topic clusters), select the number of regular evaluation scores (hereinafter referred to as REGS) in each semester as follows:

a) Subject with 35 lessons/year: 02 REGS.

b) Subject with from 36 lessons/year to 70 lessons/year: 03 REGS.

c) Subject with from 71 lessons/year or more: 04 REGS.

3. For study topic clusters of subjects at secondary school level, each student is tested and evaluated according to each study topic, among which the result of 01 (one) test and evaluation is chosen as the evaluation result of the study topic cluster. The evaluation result of the study topic cluster of the subject is counted as the result of 01 (one) regular evaluation of that subject and recorded in the Student Monitoring and Evaluation Book (by class) for use in evaluating the subject learning outcomes as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 9 of this Circular.

Article 7. Periodic Evaluation

1. Periodic evaluation includes mid-term and final evaluations. Periodic evaluation is conducted through paper-based, computer-based, or online tests; through practical assignments, learning projects. The test questions of each subject are developed based on the Test Description Document, meeting the requirements specified in the Regular Education Program. Periodic evaluation is not conducted for study topic clusters.

2. Time for completing periodic evaluation tests.

a) For subjects with up to 70 lessons/year, the time for completing the test is 45 minutes.

b) For subjects with 71 lessons/year or more, the time for completing the test ranges from 60 to 90 minutes.

3. Each subject has 01 (one) mid-term evaluation score (hereinafter referred to as MTES) and 01 (one) final evaluation score (hereinafter referred to as FTES) in each semester.

4. Students who do not participate in sufficient tests and evaluations as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article due to force majeure circumstances are allowed to make-up tests and evaluations with equivalent achievement requirements for the missed tests and evaluations. Make-up tests and evaluations are conducted on a semester-by-semester basis.

5. In cases where students do not participate in make-up tests and evaluations as stipulated in Clause 4 of this Article, they will receive 0 (zero) points for the missed tests and evaluations.

Article 8. Evaluation of Students' Training Results

1. Basis and Organization for Evaluating Students' Training Results

a) The evaluation of students' training results shall be based on the required standards for main qualities and general abilities according to appropriate levels corresponding to each subject and grade level specified in the Regular Education Program, and the required standards for specific abilities as stipulated in each subject within the Regular Education Program.

b) Subject teachers shall provide comments and evaluate students' training results, progress, outstanding strengths, and primary limitations during their training and learning process based on the provisions set forth in point a of this clause.

c) Class advisors shall monitor students' training and learning processes based on the provisions set forth in point a of this clause; refer to the comments and evaluations provided by subject teachers, feedback from parents, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in educating the students; guide students in self-assessment; and on that basis, provide comments and evaluate students' training results according to the levels prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article.

2. Training Results of Students in Each Semester and Throughout the Academic Year

The training results of students in each semester and throughout the academic year shall be evaluated at one of four levels: Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, and Unsatisfactory.

a) Training Results of Students in Each Semester

- Excellent Level: Meeting well the required standards for qualities as specified in the Regular Education Program and showing many prominent manifestations.

- Good Level: Meeting the required standards for qualities as specified in the Regular Education Program and showing prominent manifestations but not reaching the Excellent level.

- Satisfactory Level: Meeting the required standards for qualities as specified in the Regular Education Program.

- Unsatisfactory Level: Not meeting the required standards for qualities as specified in the Regular Education Program.

b) Training Results of Students Throughout the Academic Year

- Excellent Level: Semester II is rated as Excellent, and Semester I is rated as Good or higher.

- Good Level: Semester II is rated as Good, and Semester I is rated as Satisfactory or higher; or Semester II is rated as Satisfactory, and Semester I is rated as Excellent; or Semester II is rated as Excellent, and Semester I is rated as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.

- Satisfactory Level: Semester II is rated as Satisfactory, and Semester I is rated as Good, Satisfactory, or Unsatisfactory; or Semester II is rated as Good, and Semester I is rated as Unsatisfactory.

- Unsatisfactory Level: All other cases.

Article 9. Evaluation of Students' Learning Results

1. Learning Results of Students by Subject

a) The average score for a subject in a semester (hereinafter referred to as "ASms") for each subject shall be calculated as follows:

2. Learning Results in Each Semester and Throughout the Academic Year_{In which, ASmsI is the average score for a subject in Semester I and ASmsII is the average score for a subject in Semester II.}ASms is used to evaluate students' learning results in each semester, and ASay is used to evaluate students' learning results throughout the academic year. The learning results of students in each semester and throughout the academic year shall be evaluated at one of four levels: Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, and Unsatisfactory._{In which, ASmsI is the average score for a subject in Semester I and ASmsII is the average score for a subject in Semester II.} a) Excellent Level: All subjects have ASms and ASay of 6.5 points or higher, with at least five subjects having ASms and ASay of 8.0 points or higher._mhkb) Good Level: All subjects have ASms and ASay of 5.0 points or higher, with at least five subjects having ASms and ASay of 6.5 points or higher.

c) Satisfactory Level: At least five subjects have ASms and ASay of 5.0 points or higher; no subject has ASms and ASay below 3.5 points.

Among which, AVG_{3. Adjustment of Evaluation Levels for Learning Results} is the average score of the first semester and AVG_mhkII is the average score of the second semester. AVG_{d) Unsatisfactory Level: All other cases.}b) Good Level: All subjects have ASms and ASay of 5.0 points or higher, with at least five subjects having ASms and ASay of 6.5 points or higher.

2. Academic results in each semester and for the entire academic year, AVGmhk is used to evaluate the academic performance of students in each semester, AVGmcn is used to evaluate the academic performance of students for the entire academic year. The academic performance of students in each semester and for the entire academic year is evaluated according to one of four levels: Excellent, Good, Pass, Fail.

a) Excellent level: All subjects have an AVGmhk, AVGmcn of 6.5 points or higher, including at least five subjects with an AVGmhk, AVGmcn of 8.0 points or higher.

b) Good level: All subjects have an AVGmhk, AVGmcn of 5.0 points or higher, including at least five subjects with an AVGmhk, AVGmcn of 6.5 points or higher.

c) Pass level: At least five subjects have a score of 5.0 points or higher; no subject has an AVGmhk, AVGmcn below 3.5 points.

d) Fail level: Other cases.

3. Adjustment of academic performance evaluation level If the academic performance evaluation level of a semester or the entire academic year decreases by two or more levels compared to the evaluation level specified in point a, point b, Clause 2 of this Article solely due to the evaluation result of only one subject, then the academic performance evaluation level of that semester or the entire academic year will be adjusted to the next higher level.

Article 10. Evaluation of Disabled Students

1. The evaluation of the training and learning outcomes of students with disabilities is carried out according to the principle of encouraging and motivating the efforts and progress of learners.

2. For disabled students who study through inclusive education methods, the results of subjects that they can meet the requirements of the regular education program shall be evaluated similarly to those of non-disabled students but with reduced requirements for discipline and academic performance. Subjects that the disabled student cannot meet the requirements of the regular education program shall be evaluated based on their personal education plan; there will be no examination or evaluation of exempted subject contents or courses.

3. For disabled students who study through specialized education methods, the results of subjects that they can meet the requirements of the specialized education program shall be evaluated according to regulations for specialized education. Subjects that the disabled student cannot meet the requirements of the specialized education program shall be evaluated based on their personal education plan.

Chapter III

USE OF EVALUATION RESULTS

Article 11. Advancement to the next grade, re-evaluation during summer break, not advancing to the next grade

1. A student who meets all of the following conditions shall be eligible for advancement to the next grade or recognition of completion of the lower secondary education program or the general upper secondary education program:

a) The annual discipline assessment result (including the re-assessment result after summer break training as stipulated in Article 13 of this Circular) is rated at Pass level or higher.

b) The annual academic assessment result (including the re-assessment result of subjects as stipulated in Article 13 of this Circular) is rated at Pass level or higher.

c) Absences do not exceed 45 days in a school year (calculated according to the regular education schedule of one class per day as specified in the regular education program, including authorized and unauthorized absences, continuous or intermittent absences).

2. In cases where a student must undergo training during the summer break as stipulated in Article 12 of this Circular; the student must undergo re-examination and re-assessment of subjects during the summer break as stipulated in Article 13 of this Circular.

3. If a student does not meet the requirements set forth in Clause 1 of this Article, they shall not be eligible for advancement to the next grade or recognition of completion of the lower secondary education program or the general upper secondary education program.

4. For disabled students: the center director shall base their decision on the evaluation of disabled students as stipulated in Article 10 of this Circular to determine eligibility for advancement to the next grade or recognition of completion of the lower secondary education program or the general upper secondary education program for disabled students.

Article 12. Training During Summer Break

1. A student whose annual discipline assessment result is rated at Fail level must undergo training during the summer break.

2. The form of training during the summer break shall be determined by the center director.

3. Based on the form of training during the summer break, the class teacher assigns training tasks during the summer break to the student and notifies the parents or workplace of the student. At the end of the summer break, if the training task is completed and assessed as such by the class teacher (with a report on the process and results of the training task signed by the parents or workplace of the student), the class teacher shall propose to the director to substitute the annual discipline assessment result for the purpose of determining eligibility for advancement to the next grade as stipulated in Article 11 of this Circular.

Article 13. Rechecking and reassessing subjects during the summer break

For trainees who have not met the conditions to advance to the next class but have been assessed with a training performance level of Pass or higher for the entire academic year, and whose academic performance has been assessed at a Fail level, they will be reassessed on their academic performance in subjects with a weighted average score below 5.0 points. The results of the reassessment of any subject will replace the academic performance results of that subject for the entire academic year when considering advancement to the next class according to the provisions of Article 11 of this Circular.

Article 14. Awards

1. The Director shall present commendation certificates to trainees

a) End-of-year awards

- Awarding the title of "Excellent Trainee" to those trainees who have been assessed with a training performance level of Excellent for the entire academic year, an academic performance level of Excellent, and at least five (5) subjects with a weighted average score of 9.0 points or higher.

- Awarding the title of "Good Trainee" to those trainees who have been assessed with a training performance level of Excellent and an academic performance level of Excellent.

b) Awards for outstanding achievements in training and study during the academic year.

2. Trainees with special achievements will be considered and recommended for awards by the center to higher authorities.

Chapter IV

RESPONSIBILITIES OF AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INSPECTION CONCLUSIONS

Article 15. Responsibilities of the Department of Education and Training

1. Direct the organization and implementation of trainee evaluations within the scope of management.

2. Direct and guide educational institutions to use the Student Monitoring and Assessment Book (by class), the Teacher Monitoring and Assessment Book, and the Student Academic Record according to the model prescribed in the Appendix attached to this Circular. In cases where electronic files are used, the Department of Education and Training shall guide the implementation according to a suitable schedule based on local conditions, center capabilities, teachers' ability to implement, and ensuring the legality of electronic files.

3. Direct and guide the Department of Education and Training to issue secondary school graduation certificates to trainees who have completed the secondary education program when they meet the conditions stipulated by the Minister of Education and Training.

4. Be responsible for checking and resolving issues arising during the implementation of this Circular at the local level.

5. Report the results of organizing and implementing trainee evaluations to the Ministry of Education and Training as prescribed.

Article 16. Responsibilities of the Director of the Continuing Education Institution

1. Manage and guide teachers, staff, and trainees in implementing and disseminating the provisions of this Circular to parents of trainees or their workplaces.

2. Organize the implementation of trainee assessments according to the provisions of this Circular at the continuing education institution; direct, check, and supervise regular and periodic assessments conducted by teachers; record and sign confirmation in the Student Monitoring and Assessment Book (by class) monthly.

3. Check and assess the recording of results in the Student Monitoring and Assessment Book (by class), the Teacher Monitoring and Assessment Book, and the Student Academic Record by subject teachers and class advisors; approve corrections to scores and assessment levels by subject teachers after confirmation by the class advisor.

4. Organize rechecks and reassessments of subjects according to the provisions of Article 13 of this Circular; approve and announce the list of trainees advancing to the next class after obtaining the results of rechecks and reassessments of subjects and training performance during the summer break.

5. Review lists of trainees: advancing to the next class, reassessing subjects, training performance during the summer break, not advancing to the next class, being awarded. Approve the assessment results of trainees in the Student Monitoring and Assessment Book (by class) and the Student Academic Record after all subject teachers and class advisors have fully recorded the contents.

6. Explain and resolve concerns and suggestions regarding trainee assessments within the scope and authority of the Director. Recommend competent authorities to decide on handling agencies, organizations, or individuals who violate regulations; decide on awards within their authority, and recommend competent authorities to award agencies, organizations, or individuals with achievements in implementing this Circular.

Article 17. Responsibilities of Subject Teachers

1. Conduct regular assessments; participate in periodic assessments as assigned by the Director; directly record or enter grades and evaluation levels into the Student Monitoring and Assessment Book (by class) and the Teacher's Student Monitoring and Assessment Book.

2. Calculate the average grade for the subject (for subjects that combine assessment through comments and numerical grades); compile evaluation levels (for subjects assessed solely through comments) on a semester and annual basis; directly record or enter grades and evaluation levels into the Student Monitoring and Assessment Book (by class) and the Teacher's Student Monitoring and Assessment Book, and the Student Record Book.

3. Provide information and comments on students' training and learning outcomes as stipulated in Articles 8 and 9 of this Circular to the Class Advisors.

Article 18. Responsibilities of Class Advisors

1. Assist the Director in managing student assessment for the class in accordance with this Circular.

2. Confirm corrections made by subject teachers to grades and evaluation levels; compile training and learning outcomes of students on a semester and annual basis in the Student Monitoring and Assessment Book (by class) and the Student Record Book.

3. Evaluate students' training and learning outcomes on a semester and annual basis; prepare lists of students advancing to the next grade, retaking courses, undergoing summer training, not advancing to the next grade, and those receiving awards.

4. Record or enter each student's assessment results into the Student Monitoring and Assessment Book (by class) and the Student Record Book:

a) Content of comments on students' training and learning outcomes; evaluation levels for students' training and learning outcomes.

b) Results of advancement or non-advancement to the next grade; recognition of completion of the secondary education program or high school education program, or lack thereof; awards.

5. Guide students in self-assessment during their training and learning process; coordinate with subject teachers, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth League, the Parent-Teacher Association, and relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals to educate students and receive feedback on their training and learning processes.

6. Notify parents or employers individually about students' progress and outcomes in training and learning.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 19. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from February 14, 2022, and will be implemented according to the following schedule:

- For Grade 6 starting from the 2021-2022 academic year.

- For Grade 7 and Grade 10 starting from the 2022-2023 academic year.

- For Grade 8 and Grade 11 starting from the 2023-2024 academic year.

- For Grade 9 and Grade 12 starting from the 2024-2025 academic year.

2. This Circular replaces Decision No. 02/2007/QD-BGDĐT dated January 23, 2007, issued by the Minister of Education and Training regarding the Regulations on Evaluation and Classification of Students Studying the Regular Secondary Education Program and High School Education Program; Circular No. 26/2014/TT-BGDĐT dated August 11, 2014, issued by the Minister of Education and Training amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Regulations on Evaluation and Classification of Students Studying the Regular Secondary Education Program and High School Education Program promulgated together with Decision No. 02/2007/QD-BGDĐT dated January 23, 2007, issued by the Minister of Education and Training; and Circular No. 21/2021/TT-BGDĐT dated July 1, 2021, issued by the Minister of Education and Training amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Regulations on Evaluation and Classification of Students Studying the Regular Secondary Education Program and High School Education Program promulgated together with Decision No. 02/2007/QD-BGDĐT dated January 23, 2007, issued by the Minister of Education and Training, which has been amended and supplemented by Circular No. 26/2014/TT-BGDĐT dated August 11, 2014, issued by the Minister of Education and Training, according to the schedule specified in Clause 1 of this Article.

For Grade 6 students enrolled in the 2021-2022 academic year before the effective date of this Circular, the current regulations shall continue to apply.

Article 20. The Head of the Office, the Director of the Department of Continuing Education, Heads of relevant units under the Ministry of Education and Training, Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities, Directors of Departments of Education and Training, Directors of Departments of Education, Science and Technology of Bac Lieu Province, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.