The Algerian Ministry of National Education has announced that the Bac exam will be reduced from five days to three days, starting from the 2021 session. According to Inspector General Nedjadi Meguessem, the exam will only cover essential subjects for candidates, depending on their chosen streams. This move is part of the ongoing reform of the Bac exam. The new format aims to prioritize key subjects.
The Ministry of National Education plans to introduce evaluations for non-essential subjects from the second year of secondary school. Students currently in their first year of secondary school will be among those affected by the continuous evaluation system, which is set to take effect in 2021. This approach seeks to assess students' progress throughout their academic journey.
Candidates who wish to take the Bac exam as free candidates will be required to register with the National Office for Distance Education and Training (ONEFD) starting from the 2020 Bac exam. This new requirement aims to streamline the registration process and ensure that all candidates are properly accounted for.
The announcement comes amid a threatened strike by the education sector's intersyndicale, scheduled for later this month. Inspector General Meguessem stated that many of the unions' demands, including increased salaries and purchasing power, fall outside the Ministry's authority. He expressed disappointment that the intersyndicale is using strike action as a means of pressuring the Ministry.
Despite the tensions, the Minister of Education is open to dialogue with the unions to address their concerns and demands. The Minister has previously acknowledged the need to revisit the file on social services, which has been delayed. Additionally, the Minister has stated that the file on the special status of education sector personnel has reached its final stage.
The education sector has been experiencing challenges related to the special status of its personnel. The Minister has cautioned against rushing to resolve these issues, emphasizing the need for careful consideration. The sector's workers have been seeking improvements to their working conditions and benefits.
The reforms aim to improve the education system in Algeria. Key stakeholders, including students, teachers, and unions, will be closely watching the implementation of these changes. The success of these reforms will depend on effective communication and collaboration between all parties involved.
Key points
- The Bac exam will be reduced to three days, focusing on essential subjects.
- Continuous evaluation will be introduced from the second year of secondary school.
- Free candidates must register with ONEFD starting from the 2020 Bac exam.
