Romanian sixth-graders complete national language assessment as pressure on students fuels debate over school stress
Romania’s 13-year-old students sat their final *Evaluarea Națională* language and communication exam today, marking the end of a high-stakes testing cycle that has reignited concerns about academic pressure on young adolescents. The nationwide assessment, held simultaneously in all schools, tested pupils in reading comprehension, grammar, and written expression—skills deemed critical for progression to secondary education.
The exam, administered to approximately 180,000 sixth-graders, follows weeks of preparation under a curriculum that parents and educators increasingly describe as overly demanding. Results will be released in mid-June, according to the Ministry of Education, with scores determining eligibility for competitive high schools. Officials have not disclosed whether pandemic-era grading adjustments—introduced to offset COVID-19 disruptions—will remain in place this year.
Today’s test arrives amid growing scrutiny of school-related stress. At a Senate education committee hearing last week, a fifth-grade student delivered an impassioned speech about the "relentless pressure" from teachers and parents, accusing educators of dismissing students’ emotional needs. The girl’s remarks, widely shared on social media, prompted Education Minister Adrian Dimian to acknowledge the need for "a cultural shift" in how schools address mental health. Dimian, however, was criticized for appearing distracted during the hearing, reportedly checking his phone while the student spoke .
Parents’ groups have echoed these concerns, linking academic stress to broader health risks. A recent study by the National Institute of Public Health found that 40% of cancer cases in Romania could be prevented through lifestyle changes—a statistic that advocates say underscores the need for schools to prioritize well-being over rote performance. Separately, British medical experts have warned that social media poses risks to children comparable to smoking, a finding that Romanian pediatricians say should alarm local parents .
The debate extends beyond Romania’s borders. In Finland, a survey by *Helsingin Sanomat* found that parents support shifting school holidays to align with work schedules, while teachers argue the proposal ignores students’ developmental needs. Finnish educators warn that such changes could exacerbate stress, particularly for younger children .
Romania’s *Evaluarea Națională* for sixth-graders was introduced in 2018 as part of a broader reform to standardize middle-school assessments. Critics argue the system has backfired, creating a "test culture" that prioritizes scores over learning. With today’s exams concluded, attention now turns to the results—and whether policymakers will act on calls to reduce the pressure on the country’s youngest students.