New code of conduct: Grade deductions begin from the third grade of primary school
In an organizational move aimed at strengthening school discipline and improving the quality of the educational environment, the Ministry of Education has officially approved linking student behavioral infractions to academic achievement, starting from the third grade of primary school. Under this decision, behavior has become a separate subject with a weight of 100 points, directly impacting the student's overall grade point average, thus placing discipline on par with academic achievement in subjects such as mathematics and Arabic.
Comprehensive educational context and strategic goals
This decision is not an isolated measure, but rather part of a comprehensive effort to develop the Kingdom's educational system. The Ministry aims to cultivate a well-rounded student personality that combines academic excellence with ethical and behavioral commitment. Historically, behavior assessment in the early grades relied primarily on descriptive observations without tangible numerical impact, sometimes diminishing the seriousness with which discipline is addressed in classrooms. This current shift reinforces the principle of early responsibility, viewing the primary stage (the upper grades) as a foundation for shaping students' awareness of the importance of rules and regulations.
Scoring mechanism: Trust and Excellence Balance
According to the new regulations, third-grade students (around 9 years old) enter the school year with 80 credits automatically awarded as a "trust bonus." However, maintaining this credit requires strict discipline, as the regulations grant school administrations the authority to directly deduct from this credit for behavioral infractions or what is known as "misbehavior," which are no longer mere passing remarks but rather "debts" deducted from the student's overall grade.
The remaining 20 marks are allocated to positive practices and exemplary behavior, meaning that students are required not only to avoid disruptive behavior but also to take positive actions to achieve a perfect score (100%). The behavior grade appears independently on the official transcript, becoming an integral part of the academic record that indicates the student's level of excellence or decline.
Expected educational impact and family responsibility
This system is expected to bring about a tangible change in the school environment, enhancing the prestige of teachers and school discipline, and reducing negative behavioral issues such as bullying or classroom disruptions. The system also places greater responsibility on families, who have become essential partners in maintaining their children's grades through guidance and continuous monitoring. This link between behavior and grades prepares students early on for advanced academic levels and future professional life, where discipline is considered a fundamental criterion for success in any field.
Lifeline: Compensation Mechanism and Exceptions
In its commitment to educational reform, the Ministry has provided a flexible mechanism for remediation, serving as a lifeline for students who have had marks deducted. Students can regain lost marks by demonstrating compensatory behavioral improvements and providing concrete evidence of their enhanced conduct, with direct assistance from their parents and in coordination with the student affairs officer before the system is closed.
It is worth noting that this strict system excludes first and second grade elementary students, taking into account their age characteristics in early childhood, as their evaluation is limited to descriptive and guiding statements without affecting numerical averages, to ensure their smooth progression in understanding school systems.
