PIRLS 2006 Encyclopedia

For those students who apply for specialized high schools after grade 7, there arenational examinations in Bulgarian language and literature and mathematics. Some ofthese high schools also have other examinations (e.g., in a foreign language).In the 2007–08 school year, national examinations were introduced after grade 12,beginning with a trial examination using a representative sample of grade 12 students.Those who take the examination receive a diploma for higher secondary education andare eligible to apply for higher education.Standardized TestsStandardized tests in Bulgaria are being developed. The Bulgarian Association forAssessment and Measurement in Education has constructed a Framework for ExternalAssessment after grade 4 concerning the Bulgarian language and literature andmathematics. This framework was verified from 2004 to 2006 in various regions suchas Sofia, Varna, Veliko Turnovo, and Vratsa.Monitoring Individual Students’ ProgressTeachers use portfolios and grade student achievement on a scale ranging from 2 to 6points (where 6 is excellent, 5 is very good, 4 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 2 is poor) inaddition to non-standardized tests with multiple-choice and constructed-response items.Primary teachers are well acquainted with formative assessment and apply it in theirteaching. An important goal for teaching is the improvement of internal assessments.PIRLS 2006 EncyclopediaSuggested ReadingsAngelova, T. (2005). Changing Bulgarianlanguage learning in Bulgarian secondaryschools. In M. Pandis, A. Ward, & S. R.Mathews (Eds.), Reading, writing, andthinking. Proceedings of 13th Europeanconference on reading. International ReadingAssociation.Bishkov, G., & Popov, N. (2000). The educationalsystem in Bulgaria. In N. Terzis (Ed.),Educational systems of Balkan countries:Issues and trends (pp. 29–80): Thessaloniki:Balkan Society for Pedagogy and Education.Ministry of Education and Science. (2001).Ordinance № 6 of May 28 2001 on generaleducational minimum and curriculum. Sofia:State Gazette, № 54 of June 15 2001, UpdatedVersions: Ed, № 95 of November 6 2001,ed. № 1 of January 6 2004, is in force since2004/2005. Vol. 7/2001, p. 451; vol. 2/2004, p.260.National Assembly. (1999). Law on the level ofeducation, general educational minimum andcurriculum. Sofia: State Gazette № 67.St. Kl. Ohridski University Press. (2004).Diagnostic of literacy, part III. Realizingmeaning in the process of reading. Authors.BulgariaTIMSS & PIRLSInternational Study CenterLynch School of Education, Boston College 59