Ninth-grade students in Moscow recently completed their mandatory mathematics exams, with some reporting that teachers are increasingly encouraging them to consider vocational schools and colleges over continuing to the 10th grade. The OGE exam took place on June 3rd.

Students who sat the OGE at Moscow school No. 627 largely described the exam as manageable. While some students expressed confidence and a desire to advance to the 10th grade and eventually university, others revealed a shift in guidance towards vocational training.

Several students stated that educators at their schools are highlighting the benefits of college, such as requiring only two exams compared to the four needed for 10th grade. Another student indicated that the increasing complexity of the Unified State Exam (EGE) is causing anxiety, leading them to prefer college followed by higher education.

One student said that they are going to college because they are too lazy to prepare for the EGE, besides they don’t want to stay here anymore, and they are going to college to become a car mechanic.

A graduate said that teachers assess students individually based on their nine-year academic history, recommending college for underperforming students and the 10th grade for high-achievers.

These observations come amidst earlier complaints from Moscow students regarding point deductions on the OGE biology exam, causing concerns about college admissions and specialized 10th-grade transfers. Furthermore, there is a broader trend among adult Muscovites to promote vocational schools and colleges, coupled with efforts to raise salaries and prestige for the working class.