Temporarily stop teaching extra classes in primary school to "wait and see" more
Two days before Circular 29/2024/TT-BGDDT officially takes effect, many teachers, parents and students who work as tutors are wondering whether the new regulation will completely stop tutoring. In particular, some tutoring centers have temporarily suspended elementary school classes due to concerns about violating regulations.
According to a number of tutoring centers in Cau Giay District, Hanoi, a center consultant said: "In the past few days, we have received many calls from parents. However, the center has temporarily stopped accepting primary school students and is waiting for specific instructions after February 14."
Some students who teach through tutoring centers have encountered difficulties when they are stopped midway. Minh Anh, a student at Foreign Trade University, said: "I used to take classes through a center, but recently the center has temporarily stopped accepting elementary school classes. They said they will stop until there are specific instructions."
Conditional primary school tutoring
In Article 4 of Circular No. 29/2024/TT-BGDDT on cases where extra teaching and extra teaching are not allowed, it is stipulated: "No extra teaching is organized for primary school students, except for cases of training in arts, sports, and life skills training".
Speaking to reporters, Lawyer Bui Dinh Ung (Hanoi Bar Association) said that this regulation could cause misunderstandings, making many people think that primary school students are not allowed to take extra classes. The legal expert affirmed: "Circular No. 29 stipulates conditions for extra classes."
According to lawyer Bui Dinh Ung, the above regulation does not prohibit primary school students from taking extra classes. Parents can still find freelance tutors to teach at home if needed.
Mr. Ung commented: "Hiring a tutor is a civil agreement between parents and teachers, not regulated by Circular 29. Parents who feel that their children are weak in a subject and need more tutoring will choose the appropriate form."
Ms. Nguyen Thu Ha (Hoang Mai, Hanoi), a parent whose child is in 3rd grade, shared: "I am very worried because my child cannot keep up with the curriculum in class, especially Math. Previously, I hired a student tutor to teach at home, but now I don't know if that is a violation of regulations?".
However, when reporters shared information from legal experts with parents who hire freelance tutors at home, many parents felt more secure.
Mr. Tran Minh Quang (Cau Giay, Hanoi) expressed: "If I hire a student tutor or a freelance tutor to tutor my child without violating the rules, then I think it is reasonable. In reality, not all students study well in class, some need extra training and support. I think the students who work as tutors are quite good, they understand the psychology and ensure the quality for my child."
Student tutors can still teach elementary school
Nguyen Anh Thu (22 years old), a final year student majoring in Primary Education at Hai Phong University, shared her concerns: "I tutor Math and Literature for 2 4th graders at home. When I heard about Circular 29, I was quite worried about whether it would affect me or not. This is also the job that generates the main income, and is the major I am studying at school."
Regarding students who receive tutoring at home without going through organizations or centers, Lawyer Bui Dinh Ung emphasized: "Circular 29 mainly regulates teachers, not applying to students who work as freelance tutors. They are only people invited by families to teach extra lessons according to their needs, not subjects subject to the Circular's regulations."
Discussing the case of students registering to tutor at centers, Lawyer Bui Dinh Ung commented: "For students who work as primary school tutors at centers and business organizations, those centers need to review and adjust according to the new regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training."
