An International network of experts in field of external independent testing (EIT) started its work in support of International Renaissance Foundation in April 2011. Experts will help to consult Ukraine concerning further reforms in the field of higher education and implementing EIT. International network also aims to popularize preferences of EIT in mass-media and social networks, to preserve EIT in form of the only exam that let school-leavers to enter universities.

Ukrainian Students' Association coordinates the Network in Ukraine. The members of the Network are experts in educational sphere from Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Germany, Poland, Russia and Ukraine where the system of external testing of school-leavers exists for long time. Participants of the Network act in accordance with Memorandum of understanding and cooperation signed by them.

The idea of external testing implementation appeared back in 1998. First exams in form of tests were conducted, but those all was an experiment.

Some of entrants had a chance to write test by their wish in autumn 2007. They were not promised that results would influence their entry to university, but it was first attempt to check the level of knowledge of school-leavers.

Firstly EIT was approved on official level in 2008. The most interesting was the fact that tests were conducted in April and school-leavers were obliged to pass tests that included data of two months of remaining studying.

2008 was also specific while everyone faced new system for the first time. No one knew how to count points, how to prepare for tests. Centres of evaluation didn't provide any programs, directions etc.

A system of evaluation was a rate one, so the best result was taken into consideration. However, many were still wondering how to count points. According to unofficial information, the results were surprisingly bad, that's why next year, in views of many tutors, tests were easier.

EIT-2009 had own peculiarities. For example, jurisprudence was not included in tests. Arguments were that it was studied in schools (according to official program of Ministry of Education) during one year only; therefore there was no reason to include it in tests. However, a possibility to write EIT in foreign languages appeared instead: English, French, German, and Spanish. Entrants could choose the language of tests while filling in application form. Ukrainian language and literature became obligatory. Posts of registration for EIT were in schools, so school-leavers should simply bring documents and complete all formalities in appropriate room in school.

In 2010 the procedure of document application was changed. Entrants should apply in place of residence, they went independently in local evaluation centres and applied there.

If in 2009 everyone was alarmed that any breach of EIT process (cheating, copying off etc.) would be entered in report and results would be annulled, in 2010 existed special posts in schools were EIT was written. School-leavers could share the information at those posts on breaching, which were not fixed by supervisor in report.

School-leavers of Ukraine and their parents have questions concerning the competence of EIT authors and evaluation of results now. It is better to involve in evaluation professors of top universities of Ukraine, but not school tutors. These top-ranking academics are interested in clever and motivated entrants.

The other big problem is the difference between school program and tasks in tests. Developers of EIT persuade that tests are worked out in accordance with Ministry of education programs and "pupils simply don't want to study"

By the way, at the beginning of 2010 there was a wish to cancel EIT in Ukraine at all. Now it is just complicated to lobby EIT legal adoption.

However, opinions of international experts – the members of the International network of experts in field of external independent testing are united: development of high-level procedure of testing and preparation of high-quality tests in Ukraine are real. In addition to necessity of time, the strong political will of power in force in Ukraine and financing are needed.

Ukrainian Students' Association