Ensuring publicity and democracy in the selection of textbooks
On March 28, speaking with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, Chief of Office of Nghe An Department of Education and Training Nguyen Trong Hoan said: "In recent years, the selection of textbooks in general education institutions in Nghe An province has been implemented by schools, strictly implemented in accordance with current guiding documents; ensuring the principle of democratic centralism, objectivity, publicity, transparency, and compliance with the law; in accordance with local socio-economic characteristics and in accordance with the conditions for organizing teaching and learning at educational institutions".
However, according to Mr. Nguyen Trong Hoan, in addition to the achieved results, there are still certain limitations, notably the use of learning materials and publications for reference at some educational institutions is not in accordance with regulations. Specifically, some units have not promptly organized the selection, appraisal and approval of the list of reference publications; the organization of providing information to students and parents in the use of reference publications has not been implemented methodically and effectively.
Consulting work is still general, not clearly separating between textbooks and materials, publications, or not specifically the qualifications and abilities of students, as well as the need to use publications for each subject. This leads to the phenomenon of some types of publications for student reference not being used, causing waste and waste for parents and students.
In addition, the organization of the assessment and summary of the selection of annual reference publications by educational institutions has not been seriously implemented, and the Department's guiding documents have not been fully implemented, creating poor public opinion, affecting the general viewpoints and policies of the education sector.
Strictly manage the selection of reference books
Faced with the above reality, the Nghe An Department of Education and Training requires educational institutions to continue to thoroughly grasp Circular No. 21/2014/TT-BGDDT on management of the use of reference publications, especially emphasizing the requirement to absolutely not abuse work positions to perform or participate in forcing or encouraging students and parents to buy reference books outside the prescribed list.
Schools need to have clear measures in advising students and parents on the need to use learning materials and publish reference works, ensuring suitability for each subject, avoiding waste. In addition, it is necessary to promote the green library movement, mobilize social resources to build libraries, equip reference books and learning materials for students.
According to the Chief of Office of Nghe An Department of Education and Training, the Department also requested school units to strengthen inspection and supervision of the supply and use of textbooks and reference materials, in order to promptly rectify violations. In particular, it is necessary to make the most of existing equipment such as computers and projectors to support learning, minimizing unnecessary costs for purchasing publications.
At the same time, it will increase the application of information technology in teaching and management, contributing to improving the efficiency of the use of learning materials and ensuring the rights of students and parents.
"In the coming time, the Department of Education and Training will continue to establish inspection and supervision teams for the supply and use of textbooks; Regarding the management and use of learning materials and publications for reference at educational institutions, to promptly rectify and strictly handle violators" - Mr. Nguyen Trong Hoan affirmed.
