"The average grade of the math exam for the 6th grade, which was held on October 3, is an average of 3.42. The goal is diagnostics, the grades are recorded in the diary at the discretion of the teacher and at the request of the student. The main problem is with math, physics, chemistry. Our students do well until the 4th grade. After that, they accumulate deficits and become demotivated“.
This was what the Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev said to bTV, quoted by FOCUS.
"Students have difficulty coping with practical tasks, as well as geometric ones. We have prepared a list of measures – "The basic thing is the curricula, practical tasks, use of classes for advanced preparation in mathematics," he also pointed out.
According to the minister, if the parents who are now challenging the changes in the National Secondary Education in mathematics after the 7th grade in court win, the exam will be held with more practical tasks, without including natural sciences.
Ban on phones in school
"Phones and prolonged standing in front of screens have a harmful effect. More and more countries are starting to limit social networks - Australia has limited them, this conversation is also taking place in France. I would initiate such a debate, although it goes a little beyond my narrow sectoral competence. We have enough data that it has a harmful effect - they interfere with the formation of the prefrontal part of the brain, which is associated with the most important skills such as concentration, critical thinking, planning. It develops up to 20-25 years of age, this part of the brain, and according to research, the damage is 5 times greater than with alcoholism,“ commented Minister Valchev to bTV.
According to him, the time spent in front of screens can be used to develop many other skills.
"Among 89 countries, our students are some of those who spend the most time in front of screens, we are in second place, but in terms of the percentage of distraction, we are in first place. Video content has the most harmful impact on children, there is also an element of addiction“, the Minister of Education also said.
According to him, in 830 schools out of a total of 2,300, phones are completely restricted, this is 35%, and in the rest they are restricted for a part of the students. Every school has found a model for storing devices.
The subject "Virtues and Religions"
There were suggestions that it would be mandatory. We heard them again this week. No child will study Religion against their will. The subject will be taught by pedagogical specialists, this is a lesson on upbringing in goodness. If there are elements of religion, they will be entirely in a cognitive plan.
According to him, the subject "Virtues and Religions" will be studied in school at the earliest from the next academic year - 2027/2028.
The Minister of Education also indicated that there will be an increase in teachers' salaries in 2026, but the parameters of this increase are not yet clear.