Decree Program No. 15/2000/CT-BGD&ĐT On Urgent Measures to Strengthen Management of Extracurricular Teaching and Learning

DIRECTIVE

On urgent measures to strengthen management of extracurricular teaching and learning

_______________________________

To manage extracurricular teaching outside regular school hours for teachers at public secondary schools, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 242/TTg on May 24, 1993. The Ministry of Education and Training has coordinated with the Ministry of Finance to issue Circular Joint No. 16/TT-LB guiding the implementation of this Decision. Subsequently, the Ministry of Education and Training has taken many measures to enhance guidance and management of extracurricular teaching.

In recent times, the management of extracurricular teaching in some localities has achieved initial results. However, generally, the implementation of regulations on extracurricular teaching and learning has not met the required standards. The widespread phenomenon of extracurricular teaching and learning, which was criticized in Resolution No. 2 of the Central Committee, has not been effectively addressed. Deviations and negative practices in extracurricular teaching from primary to secondary school levels and preparatory courses for entrance exams have not only failed to be curbed but have become more prevalent, causing dissatisfaction among the people.

Extracurricular learning is a need of a portion of students and their families to expand and improve knowledge. However, excessive and intensive extracurricular learning leads to overburdening students' capacity to absorb information, reducing their self-study time, rest, and leisure activities, particularly for primary school students. Widespread extracurricular teaching and learning are causing serious negative consequences, eroding public trust in the teaching profession and educational institutions, and violating the requirements stipulated in the Education Law regarding teaching and learning activities.

There are multiple reasons for this situation, primarily due to weaknesses in educational management work at various levels. Guidance to rectify these issues has not been resolute, consistent, nor combined with reforms in curriculum content and examination methods.

This situation demands comprehensive measures to correct and restore order and discipline in this field.

I. OBJECTIVES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR STRENGTHENING MANAGEMENT OF EXTRACURRICULAR TEACHING AND LEARNING

The term "extracurricular teaching" mentioned in this Directive refers to teaching outside regular school hours for secondary school students; preparatory courses for entrance exams at different educational levels; and teaching computer science and foreign languages outside specialized training institutions, including extracurricular teaching under the responsibility of secondary schools and extracurricular teaching based on learners' needs with payment. In the future, the management of extracurricular teaching must achieve the following objectives and requirements:

- Focus on directing efforts to quickly address negative aspects of extracurricular teaching by public secondary school teachers as prescribed in Decision No. 242/TTg. Timely handle all violations, especially forcing students to attend extracurricular classes for payment, and strictly punish repeat offenders, including dismissal from service. For non-public schools (semi-public, private, and private), principals must strictly manage extracurricular teaching activities according to the principle of serving student needs.

- Uniformly manage extracurricular classes based on learners' needs with payment, organized within or outside schools and other educational facilities (hereinafter referred to as schools), ensuring the interests of learners and the responsibilities of educators.

II. MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN MANAGEMENT

To emphasize the responsibility of schools and teachers in organizing extracurricular teaching to serve students, while strictly managing extracurricular teaching based on learners' needs with payment across all areas, the Ministry of Education and Training requests People's Committees at all levels, educational management bodies, and schools to implement the following measures effectively:

1. Management of extracurricular teaching under the responsibility of secondary schools:

a) For primary education level:

Organize well to attract the maximum number of students to two-hour daily classes according to the wishes of their parents. Additional subjects beyond those specified by the Ministry of Education and Training must be approved by the Ministry before being taught in schools (either as part of the regular curriculum or elective). Ensure that students have two days off each week. Do not organize extracurricular classes during summer break. Cases where teachers provide childcare outside regular class hours at the request of parents shall not be transformed into extracurricular classes.

Tutoring underperforming students is the responsibility of regular subject teachers. Departments of Education and Training guide and strictly manage the nurturing of outstanding students. No fees should be collected from students for tutoring underperforming students or nurturing outstanding students. Principals organize and manage extracurricular review classes for fifth-grade students in the month preceding the final exam, not exceeding two sessions per week, with fees set as per Circular Joint No. 16/TT-LB of the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Finance dated September 13, 1993.

Primary school principals are responsible for managing extracurricular teaching activities by teachers in accordance with regulations, ending forced extracurricular enrollment.

b) For secondary education level:

Tutoring underperforming students is the responsibility of regular subject teachers. Departments of Education and Training strictly manage the nurturing of outstanding students. No fees should be collected from students for tutoring underperforming students or nurturing outstanding students. Principals organize and manage extracurricular review classes for graduating students in the two months preceding the final exam, not exceeding three sessions per week, with fees set as per Circular Joint No. 16/TT-LB mentioned above.

Secondary school and high school principals are responsible for managing extracurricular teaching activities by teachers in accordance with regulations, limiting permission for teachers to conduct paid extracurricular classes for students they teach regularly, and firmly addressing the practice of forcing students to attend extracurricular classes for payment.

2. Management of extracurricular teaching based on learners' needs within and outside schools:

In addition to the supplementary teaching forms under the responsibility of secondary schools mentioned above, other classes that charge fees and are opened either within or outside schools by organizations or individuals may only operate after registration and obtaining a certificate of supplementary teaching registration from the competent authority. The permission for supplementary teaching must strictly combat the proliferation of such activities. Departments of Education and Training are responsible for assisting provincial People's Committees in managing supplementary teaching of subjects in the secondary school curriculum, while District Education and Training Departments assist district-level People's Committees in managing supplementary teaching of subjects in the lower secondary and primary school curricula within their respective jurisdictions.

Responsibilities for managing supplementary classes based on learners' needs:

a. Supplementary classes opened by secondary school teachers within or outside the school are directly managed by the principal. Teachers must register and obtain permission, and be subject to inspection by local educational management authorities. Departments of Education and Training permit supplementary teaching according to the secondary school curriculum, while District Education and Training Departments permit supplementary teaching according to the lower secondary and primary school curricula.

b. Classes opened by lecturers or teachers from higher education institutions or vocational training centers within or outside these institutions for exam preparation or to enhance knowledge in subjects of the general education curriculum must register and obtain permission, and be subject to inspection by Departments of Education and Training in accordance with their state management functions. Educational institutions with lecturers or teachers providing supplementary teaching must cooperate with Departments of Education and Training in managing these supplementary classes.

c. Apart from the classes mentioned in points a and b, classes opened by other organizations or individuals to reinforce and enhance knowledge or prepare for exams in subjects of the general education curriculum must register and obtain permission, and be subject to inspection by Departments or District Education and Training Departments as stipulated. Computer and foreign language classes opened by individuals or organizations (agencies, units, educational institutions) without the function of training in those specific subjects must register and obtain permission, and be subject to inspection by Departments of Education and Training. Individuals providing supplementary teaching not organized into classes but in the form of private tutoring for individual students at the request of families do not need to register for permission but must bear full responsibility for the quality and content of their teaching.

To strictly manage educational activities that charge fees from learners, Departments of Education and Training should advise provincial People's Committees to issue regulations suitable for local conditions. Specific provisions regarding conditions for opening classes (teachers' qualifications, facilities) and management of tuition fee income and expenditure should be established. Implementing the provisions of Decree No. 73/1999/NĐ-CP dated August 19, 1999, of the Government on policies encouraging socialization in education, healthcare, culture, and sports, organizations or individuals opening classes for supplementary teaching shall enjoy preferential policies and fulfill obligations to the State as prescribed in the Decree and related implementing documents. Specific provisions regarding the minimum size of supplementary classes required to register for permission, registration procedures, inspection systems, and handling violations should be established. Departments of Education and Training should advise provincial People's Committees to set a framework for tuition fees and charges for each class within the prescribed range. Permission for supplementary teaching should be granted to those with good professional qualifications, prioritizing those who have successfully completed assigned tasks, and prohibiting those with poor skills from teaching. Ensuring voluntary participation in supplementary learning, dealing appropriately with forced supplementary learning for profit, and handling cases of illegal class openings in accordance with Article 108 of the Education Law.

III. IMPLEMENTATION.

To effectively address the proliferation of supplementary teaching and learning, the Ministry of Education and Training requests provincial People's Committees to direct Departments of Education and Training to coordinate with relevant sectors and People's Committees at all levels to promptly implement this policy. Simultaneously, the Ministry will take comprehensive measures to help mitigate the causes of the proliferation of supplementary teaching and learning. Combining moral education and encouragement of teachers' sense of responsibility with administrative management measures.

Departments of Education and Training should base their implementation of this Directive on the actual situation of their locality. Registration acceptance and permission to open classes should be handled quickly and efficiently, avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy. Coordinating with district-level People's Committees and relevant agencies to strengthen inspections of supplementary teaching and learning situations, handling those practicing illegally or those permitted to open classes but failing to meet the registered standards for teaching quality, teacher qualifications, and facilities. Collecting public opinions, promptly considering and resolving complaints and reports about supplementary teaching and learning within their jurisdiction.

The Inspectorate of Education will lead and coordinate with the Primary Education Department, Secondary General Education Department, Continuing Education Department, Higher Education Department, and related agencies to urge implementation, inspect the execution of this Directive in various localities, and report results periodically.

This Directive takes effect 15 days after its signing date, and all previous regulations conflicting with this Directive are hereby abolished.

This Directive should be widely disseminated throughout the sector, parents of students, and publicized through the industry's mass media to encourage public and educational community support for effective implementation at the grassroots level. During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties, they should be reported to the Ministry of Education and Training for timely resolution.