AI Banned for Bac Exams but Allowed Year-Round: AI Aids Teachers in Grading Papers

While the use of artificial intelligence for grading student work is becoming more common among French teachers throughout the academic year, its application for official examinations, such as the baccalaureate, remains strictly prohibited.

The Ministry of National Education has clearly stated that AI cannot be used for grading exams. Édouard Geffray, the Minister of Education, reiterated this stance on May 19, emphasizing that the nuanced assessment of a student's production and reasoning is the core of a teacher's profession, not something an AI can replicate. This prohibition aims to preserve the integrity and human element of educational assessment.

However, the sheer volume of work involved in grading, particularly for major exams like the baccalaureate, presents a significant challenge. With approximately 80,000 teachers grading over 800,000 candidates' papers, and facing demanding timelines, the temptation to use AI assistance may be strong for some. The article notes that despite the official ban, it is not impossible that some educators might still turn to AI tools to help manage the workload, especially during periods of intense grading like the post-baccalaureate assessment.

The article highlights a potential tension between the ministry's strict rules and the practical realities faced by teachers. While AI is increasingly integrated into daily educational tasks, its use in high-stakes, official evaluations is a sensitive issue, with the ministry prioritizing the teacher's role in assessing student performance.