Abstract:

The COVID-19 pandemic has instigated unparalleled disruptions globally, particularly in the realm of education. This study delves into the repercussions of the pandemic on high school education, focusing on the Romanian Baccalaureate exam, a crucial assessment for high school students. Through meticulous statistical analyses, including multiple regression, correlation, and gender-based comparisons, this research examines the changes in Baccalaureate exam results from 2017 to 2023, encompassing both pre-pandemic and pandemic years.

The analysis aims to discern significant variations in exam performance attributed to pandemic-induced educational adjustments. By examining data extracted from multiple years, this study aims to furnish empirical insights into the pandemic's impact on high school education in Romania. Employing SPSS, a statistical software, this research employs multiple regression analysis to identify potential predictors influencing Baccalaureate exam scores. Moreover, correlation analysis illuminates the relationships between different variables, offering insights into the interplay of diverse factors impacting student performance amidst the pandemic era.

Furthermore, gender-based comparisons are undertaken to ascertain potential gender disparities in Baccalaureate exam outcomes, both before and after the onset of the pandemic. This gender-focused analysis seeks to elucidate any divergences in educational experiences and outcomes between male and female students in the wake of COVID-19. In 2020, a notable surge was observed in the number of individuals who either failed to pass the Baccalaureate exam or were absent from it, compared to previous, or even the next years. However, the promovability rate experienced a notable decrease. This fluctuation underscores the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on educational continuity and student engagement.

The findings of this study are crucial for understanding the nuanced effects of the pandemic on high school education and informing policy interventions aimed at mitigating its adverse impacts. By elucidating the dynamics of educational transformations amid the pandemic, this research contributes to the broader discourse on crisis management in education and underscores the imperative of adaptive strategies to ensure educational resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Keywords:

COVID-19 pandemic, high school education, Romanian Baccalaureate exam, statistical analysis, gender comparison.