The Ministry of Education announced on March 23 that more than 53,000 final-year students from public and private academic and technical high schools across the country will take the Standardized National Diagnostic Tests by subject during the week of March 23 to March 27.
The purpose of these tests is to identify strengths and areas for improvement in student learning. According to the Ministry, a total of 53,228 students from 940 schools in academic, technical, and night modalities are participating. The exams are given at the start of the school year and cover five subjects: Social Studies (March 23), Mathematics (March 24), Spanish (March 25), Science (March 26), and Civic Education (March 27).
Of those taking part, about two-thirds—37,076 students—will complete their exams on paper while another group of approximately one-third—16,252 students—will do so digitally. Students who need special accommodations such as Braille tests or extra time have access to support previously arranged by their schools; this year a total of 5,277 supports were requested.
School principals were required to submit lists of participating students since December. Those not registered must take the exams during a rescheduled period in May. Minister Leonardo Sánchez Hernández encouraged all students “to read and write stories” under this year’s theme: “School shapes us, writing drives us forward and values guide us.”
