The proposed resolution introduces exceptional mechanisms and policies that may differ from existing laws in defined scope, audience, and duration. It also outlines a framework for monitoring, assessment, and future legalization.

Special policies for teachers and education staff

A key focus of the resolution is the development of human resources in the education sector, aligning with Resolution 71 on breakthrough educational development.

The draft includes extraordinary incentives for teachers and staff at educational institutions. It grants authority to provincial directors of education departments for recruitment, assignment, and secondment of personnel, aiming to ensure uniform human resource management across the sector. Additionally, it proposes mechanisms to attract, retain, and cultivate high-quality professionals for teaching, research, and management roles. 

Educational system reform and curriculum innovation

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Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh presents the draft resolution. Photo: Pham Thang.

The resolution promotes comprehensive autonomy for higher education and vocational training institutions. It advocates for revamping early childhood, general, higher, and continuing education curricula. A notable proposal is the implementation of a unified national textbook set, alongside building an open, interconnected education system that fosters lifelong learning and a learning society.

Financial investments and resource allocation

The draft mandates a minimum of 20% of the state budget to be allocated to education. Within that, priority is to be given to investment in preschool and general education, especially in disadvantaged areas.

It also proposes special incentives in terms of land use, taxes, and credit access for both public and nonprofit educational institutions, aiming to ensure fairness and sustainability in education investment.

Governance and organizational structure

The resolution introduces a unified textbook system and the dissolution of school councils in public institutions, except those governed by international agreements. It also proposes a model where the Party secretary concurrently serves as the head of the educational institution, to enhance leadership consistency and operational efficiency.

Parliamentary review and resource concerns

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Illustrative photo by Hoang Ha.

Presenting the review, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Society Nguyen Dac Vinh stated that the committee generally agrees with many of the proposed mechanisms and policies.

However, the committee highlighted the significant financial resources required for implementation. These include a minimum 70% professional allowance for teachers and 30% for staff, free textbook provision, waived fees and materials for defense and security education, subsidized student loans, and scholarships for PhD programs.

The draft specifies that the Minister of Education and Training will approve a single national set of general education textbooks to be used nationwide starting from the 2026–2027 academic year. Free textbook distribution to all students is targeted for completion by 2030. However, in provinces with sufficient resources, this may begin as early as 2026–2027.

The committee advised a thorough impact assessment - especially concerning financial viability - to ensure these policies are feasible and effective.

Oversight and transparency in staffing decisions

Regarding the authority given to provincial education directors to manage staffing - including assignments, transfers, and reassignments - the review committee recommended detailed supervision mechanisms. Regular reporting, transparent monitoring, and equitable procedures must be in place to avoid negative outcomes such as favoritism or abuse of power.

Clarifying textbook access in resource-rich provinces

The committee also called for clarification on the provision stating that resource-rich provinces may begin offering free textbooks sooner. This is to avoid misinterpretation that better-off areas are prioritized for free textbooks over disadvantaged regions.

In addition, the committee proposed mechanisms for state encouragement of local and societal resource contributions. This could involve directing support from wealthier provinces or private sectors toward underprivileged areas to implement these policies more equitably.

Tran Thuong