Within about ten days, the Ministry of Education and Science will propose for discussion a comprehensive package of measures aimed at improving discipline in Bulgarian schools. According to the line minister, Prof. Georgi Valchev, the necessity for these actions is dictated by the fact that problems with discipline in schools are extremely serious.
The statement was made during a meeting of the Committee on Education and Science in response to a topical question asked by Fatme Yildiz from the DPS parliamentary group. She specifically inquired whether a discipline grade would be introduced into the education system to reflect student behavior and their attitude toward established school rules.
Prof. Valchev emphasized that the question of introducing such a grade is delicate, as it strongly polarizes society. The minister noted that a series of measures are being worked on, and concrete approaches may be proposed within a few weeks, including combined financial mechanisms, a series of "soft" measures before resorting to extreme solutions, as well as incentives for students who begin to correct their behavior.
The minister cited data indicating that nearly 50 percent of students report problems with discipline and feel disadvantaged by their classmates. This issue is systematically raised by teachers, social partners, and employer organizations in the sector. "If there is no change regarding discipline in the coming years, the results will not be good," he stated firmly.
Prof. Valchev added that the strategy being developed, which will be proposed within ten days, is not aimed solely at removing students from the education system, as that does not provide significant benefits. The main focus is on a series of actions that will realistically lead to lasting change and correction in the behavior of adolescents.