The Ministry of Education and Training has just issued Circular 08/2026 regulating the national wide-ranging assessment of general education quality, replacing Circular 51/2011.
Compared to Circular No. 51/2011/TT-BGDĐT, Circular No. 08/2026/TT-BGDĐT has some notable new points.
Target comprehensive assessment
Circular No. 08/2026/TT-BGDDT stipulates the assessment of general education quality in a more comprehensive direction, not only focusing on the learning results of students' knowledge and skills but also focusing on assessing students' qualities and abilities according to the requirements of the current general education program.
The Circular stipulates that the assessment is carried out for 5th and 9th grade students nationwide according to the sample method. The assessment cycle is carried out every 5 years, ensuring monitoring the development trend of general education quality at each stage.
The assessment content is designed into integrated surveys, meeting the goals and requirements of the broad-based assessment program (similar to approaching international programs). In addition, the Circular also stipulates the use of questionnaire forms for relevant subjects to collect factors affecting the quality of education.
Survey activities are organized in many flexible forms such as answering survey questions on computers, on paper or combining computers and paper, suitable to the actual conditions of localities.
Decentralization and strengthening international integration
The Circular specifically stipulates the decentralization, delegation of power and responsibilities of agencies and units in organizing the implementation of the wide-area assessment program. Accordingly, the Ministry of Education and Training establishes a National Steering Committee and a Secretariat to assist; in localities, the Director of the Department of Education and Training establishes a Provincial Survey Committee to organize the implementation of surveys according to plan.
In addition, the circular has separate regulations on the implementation of international wide-area assessment programs that Vietnam participates in under agreements with international organizations, contributing to strengthening international integration in the field of education assessment.
The promulgation of Circular No. 08/2026/TT-BGDĐT makes an important contribution to the development of Vietnam's national wide-area assessment system, providing data to serve management and policy planning of education, and at the same time supporting improving the quality of general education in the context of fundamental and comprehensive innovation in education and training.
