High-stakes examinations in the times of COVID-19: what is the best approach?

For many students around the world, the end of the school year is associated with high-stakes examinations. These exams are often used to select or certify students as they move from one level of the education system to the next (or into the workforce). Under normal times, examinations also play an important equity role in limiting the effects of patronage and opening up access to educational opportunities for students from relatively disadvantaged backgrounds. In light of the closures of schools and bans on group gatherings caused by COVID-19, different solutions and measures are being introduced to address the examinations that students have been preparing to take. This article presents three alternatives that are being announced or considered in different contexts.