In September 2022, an experimental phase was rolled out with a view to extending the exhaustive standardised national assessments in French and Mathematics to 4th and 8th graders (i.e., pupils in CM1 and 4ème). Currently, these evaluations were only conducted in grades 1, 2, 6 and 10 (i.e., CP, CE1, 6ème and 2nde). The aim of the trial was to ensure the quality and reliability of the exercises proposed, before their extension at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. Following the experimentation, the teachers of the primary and lower secondary schools concerned were invited to present an analysis of the relevance and adaptation of the tested items. 

At the end of the test sessions, the pupils' answers have then been analysed – from a pedagogical and psychometric point of view – by expert groups of teachers, educational advisers and inspectors, coordinated by the Directorate of Evaluation, Forecasting and Performance Monitoring (DEPP).  

 From the start of the 2023-24 school year, all pupils in grades 4 and 8 will take these national assessments in French and Mathematics, which will provide teachers with pedagogical benchmarks to prevent difficulties from taking hold. 

 More information (in French): MENJ : Expérimentation d'outils d'évaluation pour les niveaux CM1 et 4e à la rentrée 2022; Collège : ce qui change pour les élèves de 6e à la rentrée 2023 

Source: Eurydice Unit France