Ban on phones in school and new math exams

Bulgaria is facing a series of transformations in the field of education, after more than 20 different amendments to the Preschool and School Education Act were proposed for consideration in the National Assembly. Among the most significant changes, announced by the Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev, is the long-awaited ban on the use of mobile phones by students in schools. This measure is expected to come into force as early as November, after the package of amendments is adopted.

Announcing the changes in Burgas

Minister Valchev announced the upcoming changes during the official opening of the renovated building of the College of Tourism at Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" in Burgas. The event, which attracted the attention of experts and representatives of the local government, turned into a discussion forum on the topic "Tourism: education - business - local government". The atmosphere was lively, with numerous participants who demonstrated enthusiasm for the new beginning for the educational institution.

New format for mathematics exams

In his speech, the minister also drew attention to the upcoming changes in the mathematics exams after the seventh and tenth grades, which are part of the National External Assessment. He clarified that the exam format will be reduced, including only eight tasks for seventh-graders and six for tenth-graders. The new concept provides for some of the tasks to contain basic concepts from the natural sciences, with the aim of assessing students' ability to apply their knowledge in practice, and not to reproduce memorized formulas.

"This will continue to be a mathematics exam, to the extent that it will be an exam of entirely mathematical tasks, but some of them will require the application of knowledge from the natural sciences. Nothing more than what is in the curricula. They will not be required to know formulas and memorize concepts, but only to solve practical problems", the minister clarified.

Meeting with regional education departments

Earlier in the day, Valchev held a key meeting with the management of the Regional Department of Education in Burgas, which was also attended by representatives of the departments from Yambol and Sliven. The discussions were focused on the expected results and the necessary changes in the system. The minister expressed his intention to insist on an increase in the salaries of employees in the regional departments, emphasizing their exceptional importance for the educational system. According to him, the salaries of these employees have lagged behind those of teachers in recent years. He described the regional departments as "the most important structures in the system, because they see what is happening on the ground, and on the other hand, they have to implement the policies that we set from above". Valchev called on the leaders to intensify their efforts and encourage teachers to get rid of the traditional culture of memorization and focus on building skills and encouraging innovative approaches in teaching.

"When they control, they should try to assess how much work is being done with the children and how much effort has been put in, and not whether the document has been filled out", he added.

Recognition for Burgas State University

The minister also praised Burgas State University, whose reputation has been "upgraded and strengthened" under the leadership of the rector Prof. Dr. Hristo Bozov. Despite the general policy of limiting admission, especially in the field of economic, social and legal sciences, Valchev expressed hope that the newly elected leadership will continue the positive trends. He also highlighted the role of the local government in the development of higher education.

"Where there is also a good partnership with the local government, things happen even better. The Municipality of Burgas and the municipality that supports higher education on its territory to the greatest extent", the minister concluded.