NLA: Natural Science Problems in Math Tests

New Science Tasks in National External Mathematics Assessment

Students will now solve science-based problems during the national external assessment, according to a statement from the Minister of Education and Science, Krasimir Valchev. The changes, which have been planned for a long time, aim to improve students' practical skills and better prepare them for life. The math tests for seventh and tenth graders will be supplemented with tasks that integrate elements of physics, chemistry, and biology.

Minister Valchev's statement to journalists came before a meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Education and Science. In response to questions, he clarified that the changes to the national external assessment (NVA) were announced back in 2020, and two years ago the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) announced that they would come into effect in the new school year. This announcement was also confirmed by a ministerial order, published on the MES website in August.

According to the minister, the innovations represent "a quite minimalistic, I would say modest step".

He explained that the mathematics exam remains unchanged in its essence, but will include practical problems that require an understanding of basic science concepts. To solve them, students must know what electricity, heat, and resistance are, as well as what a watt, kilowatt-hour, and volt are. Furthermore, an understanding of concepts like mixture and acidity will be required.

Support for Students and Teachers

To support students and teachers in this process, the MES plans to publish sample tests. According to Minister Valchev, these models, which will be available by the end of the week, will contain several problems of the new type. By the end of the month, a special section will be created on the MES website where even more such problems will be published. The goal is to give students confidence and show that the innovations are not intimidating. The minister is convinced that no additional private lessons will be needed for preparation if students have paid "the minimally necessary attention in their science classes".

Krasimir Valchev emphasized that this approach is key to improving results from international studies like PISA and helping students succeed in life. He pointed out that one of the biggest problems in Bulgarian education is that students find it difficult to solve practical problems and cannot transform a real-life situation into a mathematical expression. The minister is adamant that the natural sciences are too important to be neglected.

Regarding the Subject _Virtues and Religions_

At the press conference, Minister Valchev also addressed another current topic – the protest against the compulsory introduction of the subject _Virtues and Religions_. The protest was expected to take place this evening in Sofia. In response to a question, the minister stated that he has repeatedly said that no child will be forced to study religion against their will and that there will be a choice. He recalled that the study of religion has been part of the Bulgarian education system for a long time, but the new change will expand access to this subject through a special education class. A program on virtues will also be offered as an alternative.