Seventh graders of average and high performance have improved their results at the final exams from this month, but those of lower performance have to some extent lowered their grades, announced Bulgarian Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Vulchev. The overall performance is similar to last year’s, but the lack of equal access to online education has had a negative impact on some of the students’ performance. Minister Vulchev said he is hoping schools to reopen on September 15 as he finds it crucial
for students’ integration and socialization. To make this possible the Ministry of Education and Science is taking the necessary steps to ensure the students’ safety.
Vulchev said equal access to quality education is crucial for students from across the country, especially for those from smaller cities. He believes it would motivate more children to complete their education. During this month’s final exams there were fewer students due to the increased dropout rates after 7th and 8th grade. Vulchev said that the Ministry has already addressed the issue by introducing a minimum requirement of completed 10th grade for obtaining a driver’s license which is already giving results.
Vulchev seeks to improve education quality and accessibility. Currently, there are about 50,000 children facing issues with hindered access to education. Students who couldn’t take part in online classes have to make up on the average for about 80-120 school hours. Schoolrooms have been moved to the schoolyards due to the pandemic curbs and main subjects taught remain Bulgarian language and math.
Vulchev stressed that well-balanced knowledge and not high grades grant the students with better chances for success in life. He believes that social and natural sciences should be more emphasized on, with the knowledge attained being what truly matters. Therefore, he believes teaching methods and materials should be further improved upon.
