5 notable education policies effective from October 2018

1. There is no maximum limit set for specific expenses related to the compilation of university textbooks.

On August 17, 2018, the Ministry of Finance issued Circular 76/2018/TT-BTC guiding the content and expenditure levels for developing training programs and compiling textbooks for higher education and vocational education.

Accordingly, Circular 76 does not stipulate maximum spending limits for specific expenses related to the compilation of university and vocational education textbooks, unlike current regulations.

Based on the unit's budget, the head of the unit decides on the development of training programs and the compilation of course textbooks (including new development, revision, and supplementation) to ensure suitability. Circular 76/2018/TT-BTC is effective from October 3, 2018, replacing Circular 123/2009/TT-BTC dated June 17, 2009.

2. Professional standards for secondary school teachers

This is a key point in Circular 20/2018/TT-BGDĐT, which promulgates regulations on professional standards for teachers in general education institutions.

Illustrative image.

Accordingly, the five professional standards for secondary school teachers include: Teacher qualities; professional and vocational development; building an educational environment; developing relationships between the school, family, and society; using foreign languages ​​or ethnic languages; applying information technology; and exploiting and using technological equipment in teaching and education.

Circular 20/2018/TT-BGDĐT takes effect from October 10, 2018, replacing Circular 30/2009/TT-BGDĐT dated October 22, 2009 and Decision 14/2007/QĐ-BGDĐT dated May 4, 2007.

3. Remove the age limit for directors of foreign language and computer training centers.

One of the notable provisions of Circular 21/2018/TT-BGDĐT on the Regulations on the Organization and Operation of Foreign Language and Information Technology Centers, issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, is the removal of the regulation requiring the director of a foreign language or information technology center to be no older than 65 years old.

In addition, the director of a foreign language and computer training center still needs to meet the following standards:

Having a good family background; possessing management skills; graduating from a foreign language university or graduating from a university and holding a foreign language certificate at least level 3 for the director of a foreign language center.

A university degree in computer science or a university degree with a basic information technology application certificate is required for the director of a computer center; experience in the field of education and training is also necessary.

The director of a foreign language and computer training center is the person directly managing and operating the organization and its structure, and is responsible before the law and before the superior management agency for all activities of the center.

This circular takes effect from October 10, 2018.

4. Professors must have at least 3 scientific articles published in international journals.

From October 15, 2018, Decision 37/2018/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister will officially come into effect.

Accordingly, the standards for the titles of professor and associate professor are also regulated in a stricter and more rigorous manner.

Specifically, to be recognized as a professor, candidates must meet several criteria, such as:

- Has held the position of associate professor for at least 3 years;

- Must be the primary author of at least 3 scientific articles published in reputable international scientific journals; From 2020 onwards, candidates for the professorship must have at least 5 scientific articles.

- To lead the compilation of university textbooks suitable for the specialization being considered for professorship;

- Having led the implementation of at least two ministerial-level science and technology projects or one national-level science and technology project with results that have been successfully completed and deemed satisfactory or better;

- Supervise at least two doctoral students who have been awarded doctoral degrees as per regulations…

5. Criteria for recognizing primary schools as meeting national standards.

The Ministry of Education and Training has issued Circular 17/2018/TT-BGDĐT on educational quality accreditation and recognition of national standards for primary schools.

Accordingly, a primary school meets national standards when it fulfills a number of conditions, such as:

- There are suggestion boxes, hotlines, and other forms of receiving and processing feedback;

- There are no instances of discrimination, violence, or violations of laws regarding gender equality;

- 100% of teachers meet the required training qualifications, and at least 95% of teachers meet or exceed the professional standards for teachers;

- Each class should have its own classroom, with student desks and chairs that meet standards and enough seating for all students;

- The percentage of students completing the class program reaches at least 70%; the percentage of 11-year-old students completing the primary school program reaches at least 65%...

This circular takes effect from October 10, 2018.