35,000 billion VND needed for Textbook Innovation Project

On the morning of April 14, the 27th session of the 13th National Assembly Standing Committee officially opened. Chaired by National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, delegates gave their opinions on the issuance of the National Assembly Resolution on innovation of general education programs and textbooks and the Draft Project on innovation of general education programs and textbooks after 2015.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung affirmed that this is an important meeting to prepare for the 7th session of the 13th National Assembly. During the 10 working days, the National Assembly Chairman requested members of the National Assembly Standing Committee to focus on giving opinions on the draft laws, as well as reviewing the draft laws submitted to the National Assembly to ensure the highest quality.

Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung chaired the meeting.

Immediately after the opening, delegates gave their opinions on the innovation of general education programs and textbooks. Many delegates suggested that the Government and the Ministry of Education and Training should have a summary report, both qualitative and quantitative, on Resolution No. 40 of the National Assembly issued in 2000 on innovation of general education programs.

The evaluation results provide a basis for the promulgation of the National Assembly's Resolution on innovation of general education programs and textbooks and the Draft Project on innovation of general education programs and textbooks after 2015. Many delegates are concerned about the feasibility of this Project, especially in terms of resources and facilities for implementing the Project.

Delegate Kso Phuoc said: “There must be an impact assessment report to see the feasibility. The time we recorded is 2023, so the fund is for 10 years. Drawing from the past experience, we have been working for 14 years, arguing about textbooks for a long time but investing a lot. What will it be like if we make a comprehensive change in 10 years? If we implement this project, we must clarify how teachers are trained and equipped? Study time? The development of the times. Will it be possible to implement it in 10 years?”

Explaining further questions from delegates, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Vinh Hien affirmed that the textbook innovation program according to Resolution 40 of the National Assembly has basically met the requirements and it is necessary to issue a Resolution on innovation of general education programs and textbooks.

According to Mr. Nguyen Vinh Hien, the “Project to innovate general education programs and textbooks after 2015” is feasible and requires about 35,000 billion VND in investment. The innovation of general education programs and textbooks in the spirit of the resolution will gradually change the structure of the teaching staff in the direction of meeting the characteristics of knowledge in the new program, which is deep integration at the primary and secondary school levels, and strong differentiation at the high school level.

Agreeing with the need to reform education, however, many delegates suggested that the Ministry of Education and Training should have detailed assessments of the impacts of the National Assembly's Resolution, adding new points of the Constitution to the Project for effective, quality, strategic implementation and especially to be well received by students, parents and people.

Chairman of the National Assembly's Law Committee Phan Trung Ly commented: "The project is related to and has a great impact on people's lives. Our children have been around for generations but are still struggling to innovate. How far has the summary been made, what problems are still stuck? Has the Education Law been amended several times to solve the problem, what problems are still stuck for the National Assembly to review and decide? I suggest more complete preparation. Get broader opinions, especially from education experts, and need to get public opinions."

In order for the Project to be submitted to the National Assembly to be of high quality, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong suggested that the Drafting Committee should take into account the opinions of the delegates to complete the content, including assessing the impact of the implementation of Resolution 40 of the National Assembly. The education reform program must closely follow reality, attach importance to comprehensive education to develop students' capacity and physical strength, as well as ensure constitutionality.

The education program must be unified. Diversifying textbooks is necessary but must be approved by the Ministry of Education and Training. In addition, the Resolution needs to clearly state the roadmap for implementing the Project as well as the training and development of teachers to meet the requirements in terms of quantity and quality.

According to VOV