The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MES) has approved a new system and general criteria for assessing student learning outcomes. This document establishes a unified approach to assessing schoolchildren in all general secondary education institutions. The reform will affect all forms of obtaining complete general secondary education and will be implemented in stages, starting from the 2027–2028 academic year.
Distinguishing concepts: assessment and grading
The new document clearly distinguishes between two key concepts: assessment and grading. Assessment is viewed as the process of observing and determining learning outcomes, while grading is the result of this process. This approach aims to make the system more transparent and understandable for all participants in the educational process.
Grades are now considered confidential information. Access to them will be limited to the teachers conducting the assessment, the student themselves, and their parents or other legal representatives. This decision is aimed at protecting personal data and reducing stress among schoolchildren.
Methods of informing about results
Schoolchildren and their legal representatives can be informed about learning outcomes in various ways: during individual meetings, using paper or electronic media, information and communication technologies, as well as by recording results in a certificate of achievements. Such a flexible approach will allow the system to be adapted to different conditions and needs of educational institutions.
Phased implementation of the new system
The MES has provided for the phased implementation of the new assessment system. From the 2027–2028 academic year, the new rules will apply to grades 1–10, and from the 2028–2029 academic year — to grades 1–12. Thus, the system will gradually cover all grades receiving complete secondary education.
Contradictory data
There are some contradictions regarding the timing of the implementation of the new system. On the one hand, the MES announces phased implementation starting from the 2027–2028 academic year. On the other hand, some experts express concern that schools may not be ready for such changes in the shortest possible time. They suggest considering the possibility of a smoother transition to avoid confusion and stress for teachers and students.
Context of the 2026–2027 academic year
Previously, RBC-Ukraine reported on how the 2026–2027 academic year would proceed. It will begin on September 1 and last until June 30, 2027, while specific dates for the end of the school year and summer holidays will be determined by the schools themselves, taking into account the security situation. This is particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing conflict and possible security threats.
Recall that the Russian strike destroyed more than 410,000 school textbooks for grades 4 and 9. Therefore, part of the print run will have to be reprinted, and the delivery of books to schools will be delayed for at least several months. This creates additional difficulties for the implementation of the new assessment rules.
