Inefficient education becomes a national security risk

Education Minister Daniel David has drawn attention to the multiple deficiencies of the Romanian education system, from the lack of lifelong learning to the poor quality of graduates and the fragility of the Research-Development-Innovation (RDI) system. He also presented the "QX Report", a diagnostic document on Education and Research in Romania, at a press conference.

• Lifelong learning: "We are doing very badly"

Daniel David said that Romania has a serious problem with lifelong learning, stating that the pressures to move the National Qualifications Authority (ANC) from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Labor would be a mistake: "We are doing very badly with lifelong learning. (...) We felt an extraordinary pressure to return to a model that does not work. I hope we can end this trend."

The Minister stressed that in almost all European countries, except France, the ANC operates within the Ministry of Education. He criticized the lack of transparency in initiating an emergency ordinance in this regard and stated that he blocked the project after a discussion with the Government leadership.

• QX Report: Systemic Problems in Romanian Education

Present Achievements and Implications for New Reforms in the Field (QX Report)" highlights a worrying picture: Pre-university education is inefficient, with poor results, high school dropout rates and growing functional illiteracy. Graduates do not acquire the eight key skills necessary for integration into the labor market or for continuing their studies. University qualifications (bachelor, master, doctorate) must be reformed to allow for permanent adaptation to new knowledge and labor market requirements. The CDI system has an outdated architecture, with wasted resources and low-quality research, often not internationally recognized and poorly connected to the economy. "If you applied for a specific period (...), from one year to the next, you can maintain your respective position, as long as the position is active in the school unit, based on the evaluation, which is done by who?! The school unit. And we will think of a framework methodology, so that the evaluation is not only done by teachers, but is a complex evaluation, which also includes feedback from parents, colleagues, why not feedback from students. And then, a person who occupies such a position remains for another year, but based on the evaluation made by the school unit. And very important: if the respective position becomes viable for what we call tenure today, that is, four years, let's say, or five years, in the primary education area, it is transformed (...) into an indefinite position. I think it is the right thing to do. You see, the transformation from determined to indefinite is done based on a quality value and which is done by who?! The school unit where you work, which knows that if you're not good, it doesn't make sense to give you an extension from year to year, because at some point they'll find themselves with you there for an indefinite period. And I think it's an elegant and honest mechanism for people who want to enter the pre-university system,' the minister said at the presentation of the report.

According to him, the places that are not covered by those who have a bachelor's degree in the system are obviously put out to competition as substitutes for those who scored between 5 and 6.99 on that licensing exam.

"And, if they don't fill them even then, as is happening now, they are put out by the school unit on an hourly basis and through a methodology that we will also establish at the ministry level, to ensure some minimal standards there as well. I think it's an elegant situation, taking into account the fact that we need people in the system (...), in that we want to value good people who get high grades even now on the tenure exam or the licensing exam, and in that we ultimately make the decision towards the school unit that gives you the position on a fixed or indefinite basis,' explained Daniel David.

• New teacher evaluation system

The minister announced that he is considering a new teacher evaluation system, based on complex feedback from parents, colleagues and students: "The transformation from determined to undetermined is done on the basis of a quality evaluation, carried out by the school unit where you work. It is an honest mechanism for those who want to enter the pre-university system." Unfilled positions may be put out to competition, and in exceptional cases, they will be offered on an hourly basis, but only under strict conditions established by the ministry.

Daniel David specified that the details of the implementation of these reforms will be established in consultation with unions, colleagues in the system and independent experts. The central objective remains to increase the quality and efficiency of the education and research system, so that Romania can form competitive and adaptable human resources in a constantly changing world.