The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has unveiled proposed changes to student evaluations, aiming to introduce written tests alongside collective assessments in response to ongoing discussions about curriculum reforms.

Amidst critiques of the recently implemented curriculum for sixth and seventh-grade classes, the NCTB's proposed evaluation system will feature a significant shift. Students will now undergo a single-day written test, departing from the previous seven-day assessment process.

Furthermore, tenth-grade students will face revamped assessment structures, including board exams conducted in external institutions rather than their own schools.

Professor Moshiuzzaman, an NCTB member, emphasized that evaluation will be ongoing throughout the academic year, with collective assessments forming a substantial part of the grading system. The new approach will allocate 50 percent of the evaluation to both halves of the year-long assessment, transforming the tenth-grade exam into a public examination format.

Dr. Hafizur Rahman from Dhaka University's Education Research Institute stressed the importance of thorough verification and monitoring before implementing the new system. He emphasized the necessity of adequate preparation to ensure a seamless integration of the proposed changes.

While the revised curriculum, approved in 2021, is slated for implementation starting in 2023, complete integration is expected by 2027. However, concerns persist regarding the readiness and preparedness required for a successful transition to the new assessment system. As stakeholders navigate educational reform complexities, careful consideration and monitoring will be crucial for ensuring successful implementation of these proposed changes.