Portuguese prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the grading of national secondary school exams after test sheets disappeared.
The Attorney General's Office confirmed the inquiry is being handled by the Lisbon Regional Department of Investigation and Penal Action. The investigation follows a formal complaint by the National Federation of Teachers, Portugal's largest teaching union, known as Fenprof.
The case focuses on allegations that teachers were instructed to mark incomplete exams. Francisco Goncalves, the secretary general of Fenprof, said the disappearance of sheets across several exams led to written orders directing teachers to grade items that lacked complete answers.
Goncalves explained that because officials could not provide the complete tests, graders were told to assess whatever material was available to them. He said these external orders could constitute an offence.
Disciplinary action for teachers
National exams in Portugal are critical assessments that determine a student's final grade and their eligibility for university admission.
Education Minister Fernando Alexandre said any teacher who graded incomplete exams would face disciplinary proceedings for insubordination. He said teachers have clear, established rules for the grading process and violate those regulations if they assess a question they do not have.
Alexandre said a teacher commits an infraction by grading under those terms, even if they had read an email instructing them to do so.
Speaking on Tuesday, the minister said he had a completely clear conscience regarding the grading process. He acknowledged the process started badly but said it ended well.
Alexandre noted that more than 50,000 students had received their grades and entered higher education, adding that those who were not satisfied could file a complaint.
Potential criminal charges
The loss of the exam papers could lead to charges of theft and breach of trust if investigators prove the documents were removed with criminal intent.
Grading exams without all the supporting material could constitute crimes of forgery and prevarication. Under Portuguese law, prevarication occurs when an examiner or public official violates their assigned duties.
