site.btaMinister Valchev: Crises in Education Should Be Solved but Without Rushing

In an interview with bTV on Sudnay evening, Minister of Education and Science Georgi Valchev said: "We find ourselves in a paradoxical situation - on the one hand, we must take measures to resolve the crises in Bulgarian education, but on the other hand, we must not rush."

Commenting on the results of the national external assessment in mathematics, Valchev noted that the average score on the tenth-grade mathematics exam is slightly above a 3 out of 6. “The fundamental problem is that students are struggling. By rushing through the material, they become demotivated and fall fatally behind in the upper grades,” he said. The Minister noted that the solution to the problem lies in attracting young and qualified teachers in the natural sciences, while changes to the curricula and textbooks are not expected to be ready until at least 2028, as the process requires a complete overhaul of the entire system, as well as the piloting and testing of textbooks. Valchev added that he would try to shorten the process by one year.

On the topic of a second chance to take the national external assessment after seventh grade, Valchev stated that he does not currently consider such a measure appropriate, but admitted that separating the assessment from the entrance exam for various secondary schools could be considered. He noted that he is concerned not so much by parents’ dissatisfaction as by the anxiety that affects the children. “When a family is in turmoil, when there is constant debate over assignments and how they are conducted, and when teachers are criticized - this affects the children,” the Minister said.

Regarding the secondary school graduation exam after tenth grade, Valchev stated that he is considering introducing ongoing assessments throughout each school year, which would contribute to an overall grade in the respective subject, rather than a one-time exam.

On the topic of teachers’ salaries, Minister Valchev said there would be no further increase by the end of the year. “We will not have the funds for another increase in teachers’ salaries; there is only the 5% increase as of January 2026,” he explained. The Minister added that work on the 2027 budget will begin at the end of July, and that the Government will strive to reach the level stipulated by law of 125% of the average gross salary for teachers.

When asked about the funds withdrawn from the accounts of approximately 250 public schools in early June, Valchev clarified that this was a directive from the Ministry of Finance, not a decision by the Education Ministry. “I personally apologize, because we were also taken by surprise,” he said, assuring that none of the public schools had experienced a shortage of funds and that, following the adoption of the budget, the transitional balances would be restored.

On the proposed ban on social media for children under 16, Valchev stated that, in principle, he supports such an idea, as numerous studies demonstrate the negative effect on young people’s mental health. “The key issue for me, aside from the ban, is what we will offer the children. Are we able to offer a sufficiently wide range of different sports and extracurricular activities?” he said. The Minister warned that bans, in and of themselves, sometimes end up having negative effect.

On the topic of artificial intelligence in schools, Valchev noted that 95% of students are already using it in their studies. “Artificial intelligence is a new technology; like any new technology, it has many positive aspects, but it also has many negative effects,” he said, announcing that regulations governing its use in schools are in the works.