The role of the Ministry of Education and Training in managing general education programs and new textbooks

I followed the discussion activities of National Assembly deputies at plenary sessions in the hall regarding the new general education program and textbooks.

As the person directly compiling the new general education program and textbooks, I am really surprised by some opinions that: The Ministry of Education and Training seems to have loosened state management by not compiling a set of textbooks.

The State socializes organizations and individuals to participate in compiling textbooks, but the State must still play a leading role.

I also understand that the opinion raised is to request the Ministry of Education and Training to organize the compilation of a set of textbooks according to the state budget. That means the Ministry of Education and Training must compile a set of textbooks of the Ministry to properly demonstrate its leading role in State management.

Textbooks for the new general education program. (Illustration: H.C) — Textbooks for the new general education program. (Illustration: HC)

Many National Assembly members, many people, many newspapers have spoken up about why the Ministry of Education and Training should not compile another set of textbooks, and have given convincing reasons. Here, I just want to clarify, in compiling the new general education program and textbooks, has the Ministry of Education and Training loosened its management or lost the leading role of the state?

In the 2019 Education Law, Chapter VIII clearly states the Ministry's State management requirements for the new general education program and textbooks.

Specifically, the Ministry of Education and Training: "Regulates educational goals, programs, and content; national qualification framework; teacher standards; standards and norms for the use of school facilities, libraries, and equipment; the compilation and use of textbooks and curriculum; examinations, tests, enrollment, training linkages, and management of diplomas and certificates; and the recognition of diplomas issued by foreign educational institutions for use in Vietnam."

There are no other requirements for the management of the new general education program and textbooks. Thus, comparing with the above provisions of the Education Law, we can see at least two points:

Firstly, regarding state management, the Law on Education does not stipulate that the Ministry of Education and Training must organize the compilation of a set of textbooks for the Ministry.

Second, in the past time, the Ministry of Education and Training has fully implemented the requirements on state management stated in section 4. From organizing the compilation and appraisal of the new general education program for 2018 to regulating the requirements on compiling textbooks and criteria for evaluating textbooks (Circular 33) very strictly.

What is state management of the new general education program and textbooks?

In this innovation, the new general education program is the most important legal factor, textbooks are just learning materials. The most important thing is to take the lead in developing the new general education program, appraising, promulgating and implementing the new general education program. That is the reason why the Ministry has taken a proactive and leading role in state management of the new general education program.

The Ministry of Education and Training is in charge of directing the compilation, testing, appraisal and approval of textbooks. The Minister of Education and Training has issued a decision to establish national appraisal councils, review and approve quality textbooks approved by the Council... does he have to perform state management responsibilities?

Associate Professor, Dr. Do Ngoc Thong, Editor of the new general education program for Literature subject

The Ministry of Education and Training coordinates with localities to organize the selection of textbooks; coordinates with localities to compile, appraise and approve local educational materials; prepares teaching equipment. The Ministry of Education and Training coordinates with the Ministry of Home Affairs and localities to prepare a team of teachers and educational administrators... isn't that implementing state management?

The Ministry of Education and Training coordinates with localities to guide the implementation of the new general education program and new textbooks. The Minister issues documents to implement the new general education program, implement the innovation of teaching and learning and assessment in schools to meet the requirements of the new general education program 2018.

Guiding the development and implementation of school education plans, ensuring the requirements for implementing the new general education program flexibly, suitable to the specific conditions of the locality and educational institution, isn't that implementing state management?

Many other evidences can be cited to show the proactive and leading state management of the Ministry of Education and Training in building new general education programs and compiling textbooks.

I have worked in the education sector for more than 40 years, of which 30 years have been spent compiling new general education programs and textbooks. Having gone through 3 times of innovation of new general education programs and textbooks according to the Resolutions of the Party, the State, the National Assembly... I have never seen the compilation of new general education programs and textbooks as methodical, meticulous and demanding to the point of "misery" as this time.

Not only pressure from requirements and regulations of superior leadership and direction agencies but also the attention, consideration and comments of many social classes.

The compilation of the new general education program and textbooks according to Resolution 88 of the National Assembly has been taking place more and more stably and smoothly. Of course, the innovation of the new general education program and textbooks still has issues that need to be adjusted and corrected; needs comments... but basically, the new general education program and textbooks 2018 meet the important requirements stated in Resolution 29 of the Central Committee and Resolution 88 of the National Assembly.

The Ministry of Education and Training still has certain limitations, but it cannot be said that the Ministry has loosened or failed to play a leading role in state management of the new general education program and textbooks.

Associate Professor, Dr. Do Ngoc Thong

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