Abolishment of SOR and SOCH - what will change for Kazakhstani schoolchildren from September 1

Tengrinews.kz — Starting September 1, Kazakhstan will implement a new approach to grading students in grades 2–4. The new system is expected to reduce the assessment burden on both children and teachers while placing greater emphasis on a child's skills alongside their knowledge.
As master teacher Zhanar Zhaksylykova announced during a press conference at the Central Communications Service, the SOR and SOCH (unit and term summative assessments) in primary grades are being abolished. Instead, at the conclusion of each unit, students will undergo interim assessments.

"Previously, 15 to 20 minutes were allotted for unit-based summative assessments, but under the new format, interim work is scheduled for the entire lesson," the teacher explained.

According to Zhaksylykova, the new approach is designed to reduce the pressure on schoolchildren and make the evaluation process more comfortable. Students should now have sufficient time not only to complete tasks but also to demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills.
Meanwhile, formative assessment for grades 2–4 remains unchanged—based on a scale of 1 to 10 points.

"A grade should reflect a student's performance throughout the entire lesson rather than the result of a single assignment. This can include answers to questions, independent work, pair or group activities, homework, and so on," she concluded.

Earlier, the Ministry of Education prepared a draft order according to which primary schools may move away from the traditional SOR and SOCH systems.
Additionally, starting this new academic year, schools in Kazakhstan will introduce new mandatory subjects and courses. A "Foundations of the Constitution" subject is being introduced for students in grades 5–7. In grades 8–11, a mandatory course titled "Law and Order" will be taught. Additionally, a mandatory "Personal Safety" course is being introduced for students in grades 5–11.