The National Assembly discussed the draft project on textbook reform yesterday, the national holiday for teachers. The current curriculum overemphasized technical knowledge and failed to take into account individual strengths and weaknesses and regional cultural differences, NA members agreed. Under the project, textbooks for first through twelfth grade would be rewritten. However, debate continues over whether how many textbooks should be written and what role the Education Ministry should play in this process. Some NA members agreed with the Education Ministry's proposal that the ministry organize the writing of one set of textbooks but still allow individuals and private organizations to write their own textbooks. They said the draft must set out criteria for textbook author selection and publicize the selection process. However, NA member Nguyen Thanh Tam (Tay Ninh Province), Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy (Danang) and Pham Thi Hong Nga (Hanoi) suggested that the Education Ministry be restricted to a management role and only be allowed to establish a general curriculum. Education Minister Pham Vu Luan said that under the proposal, the Ministry would not actually write textbooks. Rather, it would supervise the writing of one set of textbooks, which would be done by teachers, scientists and outside experts. A national committee with representatives chosen from various organizations, including the ministry and the Central Committee for Publicity and Education, would assess the textbooks before use. (Vietnam News Nov 21)
