Why a high school in Olt had zero Baccalaureate pass rate: Director says statistics don't tell the whole story

The "Constantin Filipescu" Technological High School in Caracal, Olt County, has become a focal point of discussion after reporting a zero percent pass rate on Romania's Baccalaureate exam. This statistic, however, does not capture the full reality of the institution, according to its director, Professor Adriana Humă.

Humă explained that the single student who took the exam was enrolled in the evening program. These students, many of whom are adults over 30 with jobs and families, are primarily focused on obtaining Level 4 vocational certifications, which are available in the 13th year of study. These certifications directly translate to salary increases in their current employment.

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They are very interested in the Level 4 certification they obtain in the 13th year of evening high school. Being qualified, they receive a salary increase.

"They are very interested in the Level 4 certification they obtain in the 13th year of evening high school. Being qualified, they receive a salary increase," Humă stated. She contrasted these students with those in full-time day classes, emphasizing that the evening students often have complex personal circumstances and are not necessarily driven by the traditional academic goals associated with the Baccalaureate.

The director also pointed out the statistical anomaly of the zero percent pass rate. She recalled a year when the school achieved a 100% pass rate with its sole candidate, an outcome she described as "maximum hypocrisy" to celebrate. Humă shared an anecdote about a 40-year-old taxi driver who, motivated by his son, successfully completed the evening program, passed the Baccalaureate, and was admitted to university, illustrating the diverse paths and motivations of her students.

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We also had 100% and it would have been maximum hypocrisy to be proud of that.