Basic education schools will soon replace the traditional pass/fail final exam system with a new, outcome-based assessment methodology. However, according to non-CDM education staff, this new system may increase student dropout rates in rural areas.
According to sources within the education community, starting either this academic year or next year, the new exam system will be implemented for students in grades 5, 9, and 11.
A non-CDM education staff member from Kyaikmaraw Township explained that due to political insecurity in many rural areas, basic education schools do not have enough teachers. As a result, teaching quality remains low, and students who are unable to put in extra effort may struggle to advance under the new system.
“We never have enough teachers. We can’t provide quality teaching because we are short-staffed. In primary schools, the situation is even worse—many children receive insufficient instruction. One teacher often has to teach two or three classes. In unstable areas, some schools open without any teachers. If both teachers and students fail to keep up, more children will likely drop out,” a staff member said.
The new exam system is designed to coincide with Grade 5 which marks the completion of primary school, Grade 9 the completion of lower secondary school, and Grade 11 prepares students for Grade 12.
However, another education staff member noted that many parents prioritize job opportunities over education. As a result, students who fail to move up a grade may leave school and migrate to Thailand for work.
“In ethnic and remote areas, many children only speak their mother tongue. It will be harder for them. Urban students may not face problems, but I’m worried about rural children. If they fail, they drop out. Some follow their parents to Thailand. To re-enrol, they’d have to take placement exams again,” said a non-CDM staff member from Mudon Township.
Although the military junta’s Ministry of Education has not yet officially announced which academic year the system will begin, many parents believe it will start this school year and are concerned.
Unlike the old system that evaluated only exam results, the new system will assess students throughout the year—considering classroom participation, knowledge, practical skills, and other competencies. According to experts in education circles, this approach could make it easier for students to progress without excessive pressure.
According to school officials, for Mon National Schools, primary-level exams will continue to follow MNEC policy, while Grade 9 and Grade 11 exams will be conducted in cooperation with the military junta’s education department.
Currently, education staff under the military junta are preparing to implement the new exam system. An official announcement from the Ministry of Education is expected soon.
