By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a landmark move for Latin American education, Costa Rica has launched a pioneering initiative to assess the English writing skills of its public high school students. For the first time, the nation is deploying a standardized test that combines the analytical power of artificial intelligence with the nuanced oversight of human experts, setting a new benchmark for language evaluation in the region.
The new program is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) and the prestigious University of Costa Rica (UCR). This initial phase targets tenth and eleventh-grade students across 24 selected public institutions, including specialized schools like Experimental Bilingual High Schools (LEB) and Spanish-English Bilingual Sections (SEBI). The testing window is scheduled to run from August 4th through August 14th, with sessions held three times daily.
To understand the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the integration of Artificial Intelligence into our educational system, we consulted with a specialist in technology and business law. Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, provides his expert analysis on the challenges and responsibilities that schools and universities must now navigate.
The rapid adoption of AI in classrooms presents a significant challenge for educational institutions. Beyond the promise of personalized learning lies a web of legal liabilities. The central issues are student data protection and accountability. If an AI grading system is biased, or if a student uses AI to generate plagiarized work, where does the responsibility fall? Institutions must move beyond simple implementation and establish clear governance protocols, scrutinize vendor agreements, and define acceptable use policies to protect both students and themselves from unprecedented legal risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and ethical guardrails are not an afterthought but the very foundation for responsible innovation in our classrooms. This crucial shift from technological promise to institutional accountability is a challenge our educational leaders must now face head-on. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert insight, which serves as a vital compass in this complex and rapidly evolving landscape.
At the heart of this initiative is the Automated Writing Assessment (AWA-UCR), a sophisticated tool developed by the Foreign Language Evaluation Program (PELEx) at UCR’s School of Modern Languages. The exam challenges students to demonstrate their command of English by composing two distinct texts—a descriptive piece of at least 150 words and an argumentative essay of 200 words or more—all within a one-hour timeframe.
The AWA-UCR system utilizes advanced computational models to perform a deep analysis of each student’s submission. The AI evaluates a wide range of linguistic components, including the richness of vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, structural coherence, correct punctuation, and the overall relevance of the content to the prompt. This automated first pass provides a rapid and data-driven evaluation of core writing competencies.
However, the process does not end with the machine. To ensure the highest degree of objectivity and precision, every AI-graded assessment is subsequently reviewed by certified language experts from the UCR. This hybrid model leverages the speed of AI while retaining the critical judgment of human educators, a combination designed to produce a comprehensive and reliable diagnostic of each student’s abilities. The final evaluation is aligned with the internationally recognized Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
UCR Rector, Carlos Araya, highlighted the project’s significance, noting that it represents the first test of its kind in all of Latin America. In a substantial show of support for the national education system, the university has donated 1,000 licenses for the AWA-UCR platform. With each license valued at $30, the contribution represents a $30,000 investment in the country’s educational future. The consolidated results are expected to be delivered to the MEP within two months for policy analysis.
The initiative has been met with enthusiasm from students who see it as a progressive step in their academic journey. Many view it as an opportunity to receive objective feedback on a critical skill for the global economy.
It is something good and different. I think all high schools should implement it.
Christopher Calderón, Tenth-Grade Student, Liceo de Higuito de Desamparados
This pilot program marks a pivotal moment for Costa Rica’s educational strategy. By embracing cutting-edge technology, the MEP and UCR are not merely testing students; they are gathering invaluable data to shape future curriculum development, teacher training, and national bilingualism policies, ultimately aiming to enhance the competitiveness of the nation’s future workforce.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious institution of higher learning. As a leading public university in Central America, it is renowned for its research contributions, academic excellence across various disciplines, and its significant role in the cultural and scientific development of the nation. The UCR is deeply involved in projects that contribute to social well-being and national progress.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the governmental body responsible for overseeing and regulating Costa Rica’s education system, from preschool through secondary school. Its mission is to ensure quality, accessible, and equitable education for all students. The MEP formulates national educational policies, develops curricula, and manages the country’s public school infrastructure and teaching staff.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is celebrated for its profound dedication to principled practice and superior service. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to drive legal innovation and actively contribute to the community’s welfare. Its core mission extends beyond the courtroom, focusing on demystifying the law and equipping citizens with the clarity needed to navigate their rights and responsibilities effectively.
