Education: Key Changes to the System

Education Minister Krassimir Valchev announced a number of key changes to the Bulgarian education system, focusing on a strengthened educational function, modernization of curricula, and more effective handling of disciplinary problems in schools.

In an interview for the morning show "Day Starts" he emphasized that "strengthening the educational function of the school is one of the most important things we need to do. A large part of the problems in our society today are a function of the weakened educational function".

The Minister elaborated on the problems related to the quality of education, highlighting the lack of a unified assessment standard. The situation with student motivation is particularly worrying, especially in the field of natural sciences – mathematics, physics and chemistry. Valchev emphasized the shortcomings of the existing curricula, which lead to a "culture of rote learning".

"When a student doesn't have time to think, they simply learn by rote for the exam and then forget"

explained the Minister, emphasizing the need for a change in assessment methods to focus on measuring skills, not just knowledge. He stressed the insufficient time allocated for general education subjects.

"There aren't enough hours for any general education subject"

Valchev stated categorically.

The Minister also acknowledged the need to improve patriotic and civic education, noting that the current programs are overly focused on facts and concepts, at the expense of the practical application of knowledge and skill development. According to Valchev, the system for sanctioning students is also not functioning effectively, with teachers often refraining from imposing punishments. One of the main problems remains the misuse of mobile phones in classrooms.

It is planned that teachers will be given the right to impose sanctions for this, practically with a grade, adding that "phones can be used for educational purposes, for medical needs. Currently, schools organize the non-use of phones according to their own rules – their collection is not mandatory, but students should not use them. Teachers should have the opportunity to sanction them if they violate the rules. Schools are confident that they will be able to organize this and collect the phones once a day, and not before each lesson".

Valchev also emphasized the importance of changing teaching methods, adapted to the needs and motivation of modern students. The role of health education is particularly important.

"children can lead 5 to 10 years longer and higher-quality lives, and this depends on the habits created at school"

he believes. Thematic meetings with parents and lessons focused on various dependencies are planned, but teachers will play a key role in creating anti-drug attitudes among young people.

The Minister explained that there is no universal solution for the optimal time to start the school day, with the biggest challenges being schools with a two-shift system. In conclusion, Valchev emphasized that "the most important thing we need to do is to continue building and extending schools".

He reassured the public, stating that the applied problems in the mathematics exam after the 7th grade will include only basic concepts from the natural sciences, known to every student.