Reflections from many parents show a paradox, children are exempted from tuition fees according to regulations, do not take extra classes outside, but the total monthly cost is still high.
The reason comes from a series of programs called "links" such as enhanced English, life skills, STEM, creative experiences...
The problem is not with the programs themselves.
In fact, many parents have a need to let their children learn more skills, learn foreign languages, and participate in extracurricular activities.
It is worth mentioning that the organization and implementation are still unclear, easily creating a feeling of "not really voluntary but difficult to refuse".
Many parents reflect that although the school announces on a voluntary basis, if they do not register, they often receive mobilization and persuasion.
Even, there is a psychology of worrying that their children will not be cared for as much as the participants.
Not to mention, classifying classes according to groups studying linked and non-linked programs, if not strictly managed, can easily create discrimination in the school environment.
Another issue is transparency.
Not all parents are provided with complete information about the program content, affiliates, detailed costs, or actual effectiveness.
Many parents spoke out, whether this is still purely educational activity, or has it begun to take on the color of business in schools.
It is necessary to objectively recognize that socialization of education is an inevitable trend, but socialization is not synonymous with commercialization.
To allow linkage programs to operate out of control, the risk of business transformation is inevitable.
To solve the problem, first of all, it is necessary to restore the true meaning of the two words "voluntary". Parents who have needs should register, and those who do not have needs should not be affected or pressured in any form.
The list of participants must be distinct and not affect the official curriculum of students.
In addition, all linked programs need to be fully publicized, the organizing unit, teaching content, duration, costs, materials used and efficiency evaluation criteria.
Education management agencies must strengthen inspections to avoid the situation of "white bargaining" for schools or partners.
More importantly, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between supporting teaching and disguised tutoring.
If a program takes place regularly, is paid for, is associated with core learning content or creates pressure to participate, then it is necessary to reconsider its nature.
School is an educational environment, not a service market.
If not well controlled, linked teaching can easily become a "sidedoor" for paid tutoring activities to return in a new form.
