Since May 22, the graduates of the Ukrainian schools will face an exciting stage of the of external independent testing (EIT).It is no exaggeration to say that future and professional self-realization of pupils in many respects will depend on how successfully they pass tests, – the Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Feldman emphasizes.
— In 2018, 335 thousand young Ukrainians, absolute majority of whom are eleventh-graders, were registered for the EIT. On an equal basis with them, some graduates of last years and pupils of technical institutions will also test their knowledge. Besides, a special examination in a foreign language will be implemented for Master’s study enrolment.
Nearly 10 years have passed since the moment when external independent testing became an indispensable admission conditions to the Ukrainian higher education institutions. The new model has both indisputable pluses – transparency, universality, equal opportunities, and shortcomings, because testing is a very limited format for examination of knowledge. But both supporters and opponents of the EIT recognize that it was the most serious reform in the education system over the years since Ukraine’s independence.
Analyzing the last year’s results of examinations, it should be noted that the Kharkiv region hasn’t exploited the full potential. So, according to the general ministerial rating we take only the 11th place among regions, the physical and mathematical lyceum № 27 is the leader among Kharkiv schools and holds the 21st position in Ukraine. How do these results correspond to the fact that in the majority of disciplines (especially it concerns the exact sciences) teams of the Kharkiv region steadily get into the top three at the All-Ukrainian Olympic Games? And these are our children who prove the level of the Kharkiv School, winning top prizes at the international Olympic Games on mathematics, physics, informatics!
To my mind, first of all, the matter is in the ministerial rating of schools itself. For example, at some leading schools of other cities only several pupils tried themselves in tests. These are rather cases of individual training, than the level of general education.
However, it is always necessary to start with yourself therefore I would like to create additional motivation for thousands of Kharkiv citizens registered for the EIT. In 2013 I was awarded with a rank of honorary freeman of Kharkiv, and I annually directed fixed grant to charity. So, this year I decided to give this money to the best graduating Kharkiv citizens. Everyone who passes the EIT on the maximum 200 grades will get grant of 5 thousand UAH. I’m sure that the best way to thank the favorite city for recognition is to support our talented youth.
I always said that investments in science and education are investments into the future, and I sincerely hope that sometimes it will become the priority of State policy in Ukraine. When our research institutes won’t be closed, scientists won’t search for worthy use of their knowledge abroad, and the science won’t be financed by the residual principle. And I truly believe that our country will come to understanding: in the XXI century you either invest in intelligence, in technologies, or you doom the country to poverty.
It will be in the future, but in the meantime I wish all graduating students to pass exams successfully, to enter into the chosen field of study and to grow up successful, happy people. We keep our fingers crossed; you are the future of Kharkiv and Ukraine!
