Monitoring report from the second round of the 2014 National Matura Exam

Noting the significance of the State Matura Exam, and bearing in mind the numerous remarks and complaints pertaining to its conduct in the previous years and in the first round of the exam this year, Internews Kosova and BIRN monitored this process during its second round in 2014. On 27 June 2014 a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between MEST and KALLXO.com, on the monitoring of the State Matura Exam. Pursuant to this Memorandum of Cooperation, KALLXO.com monitored 36 testing centers in 21 municipalities: Prishtinë, Obiliq, Fushë Kosovë, Podujevë, Kaçanik, Suharekë, Ferizaj, Skenderaj, Lipjan, Mitrovicë, Gjilan, Malishevë, Istog, Deçan, Gjakovë, Prizren, Podujevë, Pejë, Kamenicë, Vushtrri and Klinë. More than 50 reports were gathered from the field,19 of which yielded articles on specific topics. The main article was updated 28 times during exam day, with at least 20 videos and tens of images depicting the situation, as viewed by KALLXO.com monitors. KALLXO.com reports prove that there were significant deficiencies in the monitored testing centers as far as exam process preparation and conduct are concerned. Despite precautionary measures undertaken, such as contracting security companies to administer the test after the failure of secondary school staff and teachers to appropriately administer the first round of the exam, monitored exam centers did not give the impression of an academic environment that provide for unhindered conduct of National Matura Exam. This report contains details of the most common findings, which are characteristic for all centers monitored during the exercise.