site.btaSchools Must Prepare Students for Age of Artificial Intelligence, Says Education Minister

One of the key challenges for the education system is to prepare children for the age of artificial intelligence, not only to work with it, but to innovate and develop new ideas, Education and Science Minister Krasimir Valchev said Tuesday during a conference titled “Education and Artificial Intelligence” (AI). 

Valchev emphasized that a top priority is to encourage mathematics learning and improve student performance in the subject, while maintaining strong results in Bulgarian language and literature, the Education Ministry’s press centre reported.

“Focus must be placed on both the humanities and advanced mathematical and science-based competencies, as they are essential for understanding and developing algorithms. This is the only way we can remain competitive in a changing world,” Valchev said. He added that the most important reforms lie in the curricula, which must shift the learning process away from rote memorization toward functional knowledge.

Valchev also pointed out that AI can assist school principals and teachers in managing various processes, but effective use requires proper training. In his words, AI can also serve as a tool for personalized learning tailored to each student’s needs, interests, and strengths. “However, its broader use also raises important questions, including data security. That is why we are working with INSAIT to develop a special AI application dedicated solely to education,” Valchev announced. The app will be piloted in schools and will allow each student and teacher to create a personalized AI assistant.

The event brought together students, teachers, and academics. Among the speakers were MP Yordanka Fandakova, Prof. Daniel Valchev, Bulgarian Employers' Association Innovative Technologies Chair Dobroslav Dimitrov, and Georgi Vladov from the civic group Youth Decide. Deputy Education and Science Minister Tanya Mihaylova also attended, along with principals of schools and kindergartens.

On May 23, the Education Ministry published for public consultation proposed amendments to the Preschool and School Education Act. The proposals include creating a new type of specialized school—math and science high schools admitting students after grade four; banning mobile phones in schools except for educational, medical, or emergency purposes; and introducing a mandatory elective class focused on moral education and the development of values, including virtues and religions.