Circular No. 07/2016/TT-BGDĐT stipulates the conditions for ensuring and the content, procedures, and formalities for inspecting and recognizing the achievement of universal primary education standards, adult literacy, preschool education for five-year-old children, primary education, and lower secondary education.

CIRCULAR

Regulations on Conditions for Ensuring and Content, Procedures, and Formalities for Inspection and Recognition of Achieving Universal Primary Education and Literacy Standards

______________

Decree No. Decision No. 32/2008/NĐ-CP dated March 19, 2008, by the Government regarding the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

Decree No. dated August 2, 2006 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Education Law; Decree No. August 2, 2006 Government Decree No. 84/2006/NĐ-CP detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Education; Decree No. dated May 11, 2011 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. May 11, 2011 Government Decision No. 115/2011/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing some articles of dated August 2, 2006 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Education Law; Decree No. August 2, 2006 Government Decree No. 84/2006/NĐ-CP detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Education; Decree No. dated January 9, 2013 amending Point b Clause 13 Article 1 of Decree No. dated January 9, 2013, by the Government to amendandiểm b clause 13 Article 1 of Decree No. 31/2011/NĐ-CP May 11, 2011 Government Decision No. 115/2011/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing some articles of dated August 2, 2006 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Education Law; Decree No. August 2, 2006 Government Decree No. 84/2006/NĐ-CP detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Education;

Decree No. of the Government dated March 24, 2014 on universal education and literacy; Department Director of Continuing Education;

Pursuant to Decision No. Decision No. 1019/QD-TTg dated August 5, 2012, by the Prime Minister approving the Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities during the period 2012-2020;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Primary Education, the Director of the Department of Early Childhood Education, the Director of the Department of Secondary Education, and the Director of the Department of Continuing Education;

The Minister of Education and Training issues this Circular on Regulations on Conditions for Ensuring and Content, Procedures, and Formalities for Inspection and Recognition of Achieving Universal Primary Education and Literacy Standards:

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This Circular stipulates Conditions for Ensuring and Content, Procedures, and Formalities for Inspection and Recognition of Achieving Universal Primary Education for five-year-old children, universal primary education, universal lower secondary education (hereinafter referred to collectively as universal primary education) and literacy.

2. This Circular applies to provinces and centrally governed cities (hereinafter referred to collectively as provinces); districts, towns, and provincial-level cities (hereinafter referred to collectively as districts); communes, wards, and towns (hereinafter referred to collectively as communes); and related organizations and individuals.

Article 2. Criteria for Recognizing Achievement of Universal Primary Education and Literacy Standards

Criteria for recognizing achievement of universal primary education and literacy standards are prescribed in Decree No. 20/2014/NĐ-CP dated March 24, 2014, by the Government on universal primary education and literacy (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 20/2014/NĐ-CP), including ensuring that at least 60% of persons with disabilities who have the ability to study can access education.

Chapter II

CONDITIONS FOR ENSURING UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION AND LITERACY

Article 3. Conditions for Ensuring Universal Primary Education for Five-Year-Old Children

1. Regarding teaching staff and personnel, early childhood education institutions must have:

a) 100% of teachers enjoying benefits according to current regulations;

b) A sufficient number of teachers for kindergarten classes for five-year-olds as specified in Joint Circular No. 06/2015/TTLT-BGDĐT-BNV dated March 16, 2015, by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Framework Catalogue of Position Categories and Staffing Levels in Public Early Childhood Education Institutions;

d) 100% of teachers for kindergarten classes for five-year-olds meeting the professional standards for early childhood educators as stipulated in Decision No. 02/2008/QĐ-BGDĐT dated January 22, 2008, by the Minister of Education and Training on the Professional Standards for Early Childhood Educators;

đ) A person assigned to oversee universal primary education and literacy activities in the designated area.

2. Regarding infrastructure and teaching equipment:

a) Provinces and districts must have a network of early childhood education institutions implementing universal primary education for five-year-olds according to planning, with transportation conditions ensuring convenient and safe pick-up and drop-off of children;

b) Early childhood education institutions must have:

- The number of classrooms (nursery, care, and education rooms) for kindergarten classes for five-year-olds reaching a minimum ratio of 1.0 classroom/classroom; classrooms for kindergarten classes for five-year-olds being solidly constructed or semi-solidly constructed, safe, and including a common activity room with a minimum area of 1.5m2/child; classrooms having adequate lighting, warm in winter, and cool in summer;

- 100% of kindergarten classes for five-year-olds having sufficient toys, teaching aids, and equipment as specified in Circular No. 02/2010/TT-BGDĐT dated February 11, 2010, by the Minister of Education and Training on the Minimum List of Teaching Aids, Toys, and Equipment for Early Childhood Education and Circular No. 34/2013/TT-BGDĐT dated September 17, 2013, by the Minister of Education and Training amending and supplementing certain equipment specified in the Minimum List of Teaching Aids, Toys, and Equipment for Early Childhood Education issued together with Circular No. 02/2010/TT-BGDĐT dated February 11, 2010, by the Minister of Education and Training;

- A green, clean, and beautiful playground with outdoor toys used regularly and safely; clean water supply and drainage system; sufficient sanitary facilities for easy and hygienic use.

Article 4. Conditions for Ensuring Universal Primary Education

1. Regarding the teaching staff and personnel, general education schools implementing universal primary education shall have:

a) A sufficient number of teachers and staff in accordance with Circular Joint No. 35/2006/TTLT-BGDĐT-BNV dated August 23, 2006, issued by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Home Affairs guiding the staffing norms for public general education institutions;

c) 100% of teachers meeting the requirements of the Primary School Teacher Professional Standards as prescribed in Decision No. 14/2007/QĐ-BGDĐT dated May 4, 2007, issued by the Minister of Education and Training on the regulations regarding the Primary School Teacher Professional Standards;

d) An observer assigned to oversee universal education and literacy work in the designated area.

2. Regarding infrastructure and teaching equipment:

a) Provinces and districts shall have a network of general education schools implementing universal primary education according to planning, with transportation conditions ensuring convenient and safe travel for students;

b) General education schools implementing universal primary education shall have:

- A classroom ratio of at least 0.7 classrooms per class; classrooms meeting the standard specifications, being safe; having appropriate desks and chairs for students; having blackboards and desks and chairs for teachers; adequate lighting, warm in winter, cool in summer; minimum conditions for students with disabilities to study conveniently; a library, school health room, educational equipment room, traditional activity room, and team activity room; principal's office, vice-principal's office; teacher and staff offices and meeting rooms;

- The minimum teaching equipment as prescribed in Circular No. 15/2009/TT-BGDĐT dated July 16, 2009, issued by the Minister of Education and Training on the Minimum Teaching Equipment List for primary level; teaching equipment being used regularly, easily, and conveniently;

- Playgrounds and sports fields with suitable areas, used regularly, safely; green, clean, and beautiful environment; clean water supply, drainage system; sanitary facilities that are easy to use, dedicated for teachers and students, separately for males and females.

Article 5. Conditions for Ensuring Universal Lower Secondary Education

1. Regarding the teaching staff and personnel, general education schools implementing universal lower secondary education shall have:

a) A sufficient number of teachers and staff for library, equipment, laboratory, and office work in accordance with Circular Joint No. 35/2006/TTLT-BGDĐT-BNV dated August 23, 2006, issued by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Home Affairs guiding the staffing norms for public general education institutions;

c) 100% of teachers meeting the requirements of the Lower Secondary School Teacher Professional Standards as prescribed in Circular No. 30/2009/TT-BGDĐT dated October 22, 2009, issued by the Minister of Education and Training on the regulations regarding the Lower Secondary School Teacher Professional Standards and Upper Secondary School Teacher Professional Standards;

d) An observer assigned to oversee universal education and literacy work in the designated area.

2. Regarding infrastructure and teaching equipment:

a) Provinces and districts shall have a network of general education schools implementing universal lower secondary education according to planning, with transportation conditions ensuring convenient and safe travel for students;

b) General education schools implementing universal lower secondary education shall have:

- A classroom ratio of at least 0.5 classrooms per class; classrooms built to meet the standard specifications, being safe; having appropriate desks and chairs for students; having blackboards and desks and chairs for teachers; adequate lighting, warm in winter, cool in summer; minimum conditions for students with disabilities to study conveniently; principal's office, vice-principal's office, teacher and staff offices and meeting rooms, school health room, library, laboratory;

- The minimum teaching equipment as prescribed in Circular No. 19/2009/TT-BGDĐT dated August 11, 2009, issued by the Minister of Education and Training on the Minimum Teaching Equipment List for lower secondary level; teaching equipment being used regularly, easily, and conveniently;

- Playgrounds and sports fields with suitable areas, used regularly, safely; green, clean, and beautiful environment; clean water supply, drainage system; sanitary facilities that are easy to use, dedicated for teachers and students, separately for males and females.

Article 6. Conditions for Ensuring Literacy Eradication

1. Regarding participants in literacy teaching:

a) The commune ensures that sufficient participants in literacy teaching at the local level are teachers from preschool education institutions, general education institutions, and other educational facilities who have reached the required standard as stipulated in Points a, b, and c Clause 1 Article 77 of the Education Law 2005;

b) For communes with difficult socio-economic conditions, border areas, islands, it is necessary to ensure that sufficient participants in literacy teaching at the local level are teachers or individuals who have completed junior high school or higher;

c) Educational facilities participating in implementing literacy eradication in communes must have someone assigned to oversee the work of universalizing education and eradicating illiteracy in the locality.

2. Regarding material and teaching equipment conditions: The commune ensures favorable conditions for literacy classes to utilize the material and teaching equipment of educational facilities, community learning centers, agencies, organizations, political-social organizations, other organizations, and individuals within the locality to implement literacy teaching.

Article 7. Funding for Universalizing Education and Eradicating Illiteracy

1. Funding for universalizing education and eradicating illiteracy is balanced in the annual state budget estimate according to the management hierarchy and legitimate sources of funding from organizations and individuals both inside and outside the country.

2. The content and amount of expenditure for universalizing education and eradicating illiteracy shall be carried out in accordance with current State regulations. Based on relevant financial management regulations and within the scope of the state budget allocated by the Government, the Provincial People's Committee shall submit specific expenditure levels suitable for local circumstances to the Provincial People's Council for approval.

3. The work of preparing budget estimates, accounting, and finalizing expenditures shall be implemented in accordance with Circular No. 59/2003/TT-BTC dated June 23, 2003, issued by the Ministry of Finance guiding the implementation of Decree No. 60/2003/NĐ-CP dated June 6, 2003, of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of the State Budget Law and current financial management regulations.

Chapter III

CONTENTS, PROCEDURES, AND PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INSPECTION AND RECOGNITION OF PROVINCES ACHIEVING STANDARDS FOR UNIVERSALIZING EDUCATION AND ERADICATING ILLITERACY

Article 8. Contents of Inspection and Recognition of Provinces Achieving Standards for Universalizing Education and Eradicating Illiteracy

1. Inspect the application files for recognition of universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy and the results and data on universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy on the information management system for universalizing education and eradicating illiteracy.

2. Conduct on-site inspections in the province to verify the authenticity of the data recorded in the universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy application files and on the information management system for universalizing education and eradicating illiteracy:

a) Inspect the application files for universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy;

b) Conduct on-site inspections in at least 80% of districts, with each district having at least two communes, and each commune having at least two households.

Article 9. Procedures and Formalities for Inspection and Recognition of Provinces Achieving Standards for Universalizing Education and Eradicating Illiteracy

1. For provinces applying for inspection and recognition for the first time at a certain level of universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy:

a) Submit the application file for recognition at a certain level of universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy in accordance with Article 28 of Decree No. 20/2014/NĐ-CP and a report requesting the Ministry of Education and Training to inspect and recognize;

After receiving complete and valid application files from the province as stipulated in Article 28 of Decree No. 20/2014/NĐ-CP, the Ministry of Education and Training will organize inspections of the results and data on the universalizing education and eradicating illiteracy information management system and the application files for universalizing education and eradicating illiteracy;

b) Based on the results of the inspection of the province's application files and data on the universalizing education and eradicating illiteracy information management system, the Ministry of Education and Training will issue a decision to establish an inspection team for recognizing the results of universalizing education and eradicating illiteracy or send a letter informing the province of the reasons why the inspection and recognition have not been conducted;

Within twenty working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid application files from the province, the Ministry of Education and Training will issue a decision to establish an inspection team or send a letter informing the province of the reasons why the inspection and recognition have not been conducted;

c) Organize inspections in accordance with Clause 2 Article 8 of this Circular; record the minutes of the inspection of the province's universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy results (Annex);

d) Based on the inspection results, if the province achieves a certain level of universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy, the inspection team will prepare a report attached with the inspection minutes to request the Minister of Education and Training to issue a decision recognizing the province as achieving the standard for universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy at that level;

Within forty working days from the date of issuance of the decision to establish the inspection team for recognition, the Ministry of Education and Training will organize inspections in accordance with Clauses 2 and 3 Article 8 of this Circular and issue a decision recognizing the province as achieving the standard for universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy.

2. For provinces maintaining standards at a certain level of universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy:

a) Annually, submit reports on the results of universalizing education and eradicating illiteracy in accordance with Clause 2 Article 31 of Decree No. 20/2014/NĐ-CP, the Ministry of Education and Training will organize the examination of application files, inspection of the results and data on universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy of the province on the information management system for universalizing education and eradicating illiteracy or conduct on-site inspections in the province and re-recognize the province as achieving the standard;

Within forty working days from the date of receipt of the report or complete and valid application files, the Ministry of Education and Training will issue a decision re-recognizing the province as achieving the standard for universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy;

b) In case a province fails to maintain the achieved standard for universalizing education or eradicating illiteracy for two consecutive years, the inspection and recognition process will be conducted as for the initial inspection and recognition.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSALIZING EDUCATION AND ERADICATING ILLITERACY

Article 10. Responsibilities of the Provincial People's Committee

1. Establish a Popularization of Education and Eradication of Illiteracy Steering Board with the chairman being the provincial people's committee chairperson or vice-chairperson responsible for culture and social affairs; the deputy chairman in charge of regular operations being the director of the provincial education and training department; members being representatives from relevant provincial departments, agencies, and mass organizations, and functional divisions of the provincial education and training department.

2. Direct each district and commune to establish a Popularization of Education and Eradication of Illiteracy Steering Board with district and commune leaders serving as chairpersons; appoint personnel responsible for popularizing education and eradicating illiteracy work; designate individuals responsible for operating the information management system for popularizing education and eradicating illiteracy.

3. Bear responsibility for the results of popularizing education and eradicating illiteracy at the provincial level; develop plans and organize the implementation of popularizing education and eradicating illiteracy at the provincial level; report on results and data to the Ministry of Education and Training.

4. Utilize the unified national information management system for popularizing education and eradicating illiteracy to update, store, manage, and exploit information related to popularizing education and eradicating illiteracy.

5. Direct, monitor, inspect, urge, and support districts in updating data into the information management system for popularizing education and eradicating illiteracy according to prescribed forms, timelines, comprehensively, and accurately.

Article 11. Responsibilities of Units under the Ministry of Education and Training

1. The Early Childhood Education Department, Primary Education Department, Secondary Education Department, and Continuing Education Department shall take the lead and be responsible for advising, directing implementation, organizing inspections for recognition of provincial standards, and reporting on popularizing education and eradicating illiteracy tasks assigned; coordinate participation in inspections for recognition of provincial standards for popularizing education and eradicating illiteracy.

2. Relevant units under the Ministry of Education and Training shall cooperate with the Early Childhood Education Department, Primary Education Department, Secondary Education Department, and Continuing Education Department in directing implementation, inspecting recognition of provincial standards, and reporting on popularizing education and eradicating illiteracy.

Article 12. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from May 10, 2016.

2. This Circular replaces the following documents: Circular No. 32/2010/TT-BGDĐT dated December 2, 2010 issued by the Minister of Education and Training stipulating Conditions, Standards, and Procedures for Recognizing Universal Access to Early Childhood Education for Five-Year-Old Children; Circular No. 36/2013/TT-BGDĐT dated November 6, 2013 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Circular No. 32/2010/TT-BGDĐT dated December 2, 2010 issued by the Minister of Education and Training stipulating Conditions, Standards, and Procedures for Recognizing Universal Access to Early Childhood Education for Five-Year-Old Children; Circular No. 36/2009/TT-BGDĐT dated December 4, 2009 issued by the Minister of Education and Training stipulating Inspection and Recognition Procedures for Universal Access to Primary Education and Universal Access to Primary Education at Appropriate Age; Decision No. 26/2001/QĐ-BGD&ĐT dated July 5, 2001 issued by the Minister of Education and Training stipulating Standards, Inspections, and Evaluations for Recognizing Universal Access to Lower Secondary Education; Circular No. 14-GDĐT dated August 5, 1997 issued by the Minister of Education and Training guiding on Standards and Formats for Inspections and Evaluations of Results in Combating Illiteracy and Universal Access to Primary Education.

3. In cases where laws or regulations cited in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced by new documents, they shall be implemented according to the amended, supplemented, or replacing documents.

Article 13. Responsibility for Implementation

The Director of the Office, Heads of the Early Childhood Education Department, Primary Education Department, Secondary Education Department, Continuing Education Department, Planning and Finance Department, Information Technology Department, Heads of relevant units under the Ministry of Education and Training, Chairpersons of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities, Directors of provincial education and training departments are responsible for implementing this Circular.