With the start of the first semester exams approaching, the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia revealed the main features of the Student Assessment Regulations for 2025. This step comes within the framework of the Ministry’s continuous efforts to develop the educational system and raise the efficiency of outputs in line with national aspirations.
The shift towards comprehensive formative assessment
The Ministry of Education has confirmed its adoption of a new strategic approach focused on strengthening formative assessment as a cornerstone for measuring student performance. This approach involves integrating oral and practical tests into daily coursework and administering them consistently within classroom lessons, rather than separating them into independent exams. This measure aims to alleviate students' anxiety about traditional tests and make assessment an integral part of their daily learning journey.
Development context and the goals of Vision 2030
This update is not merely a procedural change, but rather part of a broader context for developing education in the Kingdom in line with the goals of Vision 2030 and the Human Capital Development Program. The Ministry aims to shift from rote learning to a skills-based and practical education system. This regulation is a pivotal step in ensuring students acquire essential and future-proof skills, thereby enhancing their competitiveness both locally and internationally.
Grading and flexibility in assessment
The ministry explained that the new regulations restructure the distribution of grades between coursework and final exams according to carefully considered ratios that ensure a more comprehensive and balanced measurement of skills and knowledge. The regulations also grant schools greater flexibility in choosing appropriate assessment tools and methods, allowing teachers to adapt their evaluation approaches to suit each student's characteristics and individual learning needs.
Focus on basic skills and behavior
The regulations emphasized the importance of mastering reading and writing skills in Arabic for first and second grade students as a prerequisite for advancing to the next grade level, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to establishing a strong linguistic foundation for students. Regarding behavior assessment, a new system was adopted, allocating 80% of marks to positive behavior and 20% to outstanding behavior, with the aim of fostering a positive school environment. Additionally, 100 marks were allocated for extracurricular activities and 100 marks for attendance for each academic term.
Educational justice and people with disabilities
To uphold the principles of educational equity and equal opportunity, the regulations give special attention to students with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments. Implementation procedures have been put in place to ensure a fair assessment environment, including providing sufficient time and appropriate facilities, and using assessment tools that consider individual differences and support their full inclusion in the educational process.
Expected impact locally and educationally
This new system is expected to improve learning outcomes and reduce stress on students and parents during exam periods. Educators have praised these updates, emphasizing that they represent a significant leap forward, focusing on actual performance and continuous student development, and employing technology with high flexibility. They also confirmed that final exams will be held during the last week of the academic term, as part of the regular school day, to ensure the smooth continuation of the educational process.
