Several Considerations for Provincial-Level Junior High School Entrance Examination Proposition Reform

The exam of the junior high school entrance examination (JHSEE) is a high stakes examination which combines the graduation assessment for junior high students and the selection examination for high school enrollment, and is also a significant event to which education authorities, schools, principals, teachers, students, and parents in various cities and counties all attach great importance. The JHSEE serves as a guiding instrument for compulsory education, and changes in its paper structure, innovative questions, and difficulty adjustments significantly affect the teaching practice of primary and secondary education, education evaluation reform, the implementation of the new double-reduced policy and the new curriculum and new curriculum standards. Based on new background of evaluation reforms, the new policy of reducing academic burdens, new curricula and standards, and the cultivation of top talents, among other new contexts, and drawing on principles of measurement and frontline educational reform. practices, seven considerations are proposed for provincial-level JHSEE proposition reforms from three aspects: exam effects, paper structure, and innovative questions. Firstly, lowering the overall difficulty of the JHSEE to support the implementation of the policy of reducing academic burdens. Secondly, reducing the capacity of questions across the entire paper to inhibit rote learning tactics. Thirdly, adopting a competency-based module layout to demonstrate core competency teaching. Fourthly, adjusting the structure of question sources to ensure teaching evaluation consistency. Fifthly, setting scenario questions on physical education, aesthetics, and practical activities to promote holistic education in schools. Sixthly, developing new types of JHSEE questions to effectively address exam-oriented education. Seventhly, improving question scoring methods to scientifically select and cultivate top talents. It is hoped that these considerations will provide inspiration to JHSEE organizers, proposition makers, and junior high school teachers, so as to fully utilize the correct orientation and positive social effects of JHSEE propositions.