Reversing its traditional position, the education ministry has decided to let municipal boards of education make public the results for individual schools in the achievement tests taken by sixth and ninth graders nationwide. The policy change, effective in 2014, is problematic as it is likely to lead to excessive competition among schools and students, as well as to ranking schools in terms of the test results. This could distort the overall purpose of education. Most importantly, it must be remembered that the test results show only part of students' ability and interest.
Until now, the ministry had prohibited boards of education from publicizing the test results of individual schools, fearing it would result in excessive competition for school rankings. Its explanation on why it has changed its position is not convincing.
The ministry should learn from history. Similar nationwide tests introduced in 1956 were terminated in 1966 because they had fostered excessive competition. Some schools put a vast amount of energy into preparing students for the tests. In some cases, teachers helped students cheat in the tests.