Monitoring Student Progress in Reading

Students undergo national testing at the end of Grades 3 and 6 and at the end of the general basic education level (Grade 9). In Grade 3, a cross-curricular diagnostic test and a test in Latvian (for ethnic minorities’ education programs) are administered. In Grade 6, tests are administered in the language of instruction, mathematics, natural sciences, and Latvian (for ethnic minorities’ education programs). In Grade 9, examinations are administered in a foreign language, the language of instruction, mathematics, and Latvian history. There also is a centralized examination in Latvian for ethnic minorities’ education programs.²³

There is a national assessment system based on a 10 point scale and a descriptive (nongrade) assessment system. These systems are applied through the basic education level in the following way:

In Grade 1, a brief, evaluative written and oral description of the student’s learning activities, style of work, communication and cooperation skills, attitudes, and the development of learning dynamics is made.
In Grade 2, a 10 point scale is used in Latvian language, mathematics, and the ethnic minority language. In other subject areas, the evaluation is descriptive.
In Grade 3, a 10 point scale is used in Latvian language, mathematics, and the ethnic minority language and foreign language. In other subject areas, the evaluation is descriptive.
In Grades 4 to 9, a 10 point scale is used.²⁴

Students also receive school reports at the end of each semester during the basic education level and earn a certificate at the end of Grade 9.