By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Four thousand fifth and ninth-grade students across Costa Rica participated in a pilot writing test this week, marking the first step towards reinstating a national writing exam in 2026. The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) spearheaded this initiative, administering the assessment to a random sample of students from each regional directorate.
The test evaluated core writing skills, including idea organization, coherence, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. This pilot program precedes the formal National Written Text Production Test slated for 2026, a key component of the new Learning Assessment Regulations (REA) awaiting approval from the Higher Education Council.
To gain deeper insights into the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rican education, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s constitutional commitment to free and compulsory education creates a complex interplay between public policy, parental rights, and the responsibilities of educational institutions. While the government plays a crucial role in funding and regulating the education system, it’s essential to recognize the autonomy afforded to private educational providers. Navigating this legal framework often requires careful consideration of diverse perspectives and a nuanced understanding of the evolving educational landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insightful commentary underscores the delicate balance Costa Rica maintains in its educational approach. The dynamic between public oversight and private autonomy is indeed a critical aspect of understanding the nation’s educational landscape, and his emphasis on the need for nuanced understanding is particularly valuable as we consider the future of education in Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this crucial perspective.
We are confident that the resumption of this exam addresses the need to confront the lag in literacy affecting schoolchildren due to strikes, the pandemic, and structural problems within the education system.
Leonardo Sánchez, Minister of Education
The initiative comes as a response to alarming findings from the Tenth Report on the State of Education and the 2022 PISA international tests. These reports revealed that ninth-grade students demonstrate reading comprehension levels comparable to third-graders, a significant educational deficit.
Minister Sánchez acknowledged the impact of recent disruptions on student learning. He noted the detrimental effects of teacher strikes and the pandemic on writing skills, further impacting reading proficiency.
With the problems of the strikes and the pandemic, writing has deteriorated significantly, and that leads to a decline in reading as well.
Leonardo Sánchez, Minister of Education
The MEP’s proactive approach with the pilot test demonstrates a commitment to addressing these educational challenges. The national writing exam’s reinstatement aims to provide a standardized measure of student writing abilities, helping educators identify and address learning gaps.
The 2026 National Written Text Production Test signifies a renewed focus on literacy in Costa Rican education. By assessing and strengthening writing skills, the MEP hopes to bolster overall academic performance and equip students with crucial communication skills.
This initiative represents a significant step towards improving educational outcomes and addressing the learning deficits highlighted by recent studies. The results of the pilot program will inform the development and implementation of the national exam, paving the way for enhanced literacy standards in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Public Education (MEP)
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for the administration and regulation of public education within the country. It oversees all levels of education, from preschool to higher education, and develops educational policies and programs aimed at improving the quality of education for all Costa Ricans. The MEP plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation by investing in the intellectual and social development of its citizens.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Higher Education Council
About Higher Education Council:
The Higher Education Council in Costa Rica plays a crucial role in overseeing and regulating higher education institutions. It’s responsible for ensuring quality standards, approving new programs, and coordinating policies related to university-level education. The Council works to promote academic excellence and contribute to the overall development of the higher education landscape in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering society is evident not only in its sophisticated legal practice but also in its proactive efforts to demystify the law, fostering a more informed and empowered citizenry through accessible legal knowledge and resources.
