Profession Shortage: Bulgaria's Vocational Education Struggles with Demand Mismatch
Vocational education encompasses approximately half of high school students and is available in every district nationwide, reaching around 80% of all municipalities
The government has approved changes to the Inclusive Education Ordinance, expanding the permissible duration of student absences from school.
Under the initiative spearheaded by Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Galin Tsokov, parents will now have the flexibility to excuse their children from school for up to 15 days in an academic year, with a motivated written application directly to the class teacher. This marks a considerable increase from the previous allowance, where absences were limited to 3 days with a note to the class teacher and up to 7 days with a written application to the principal.
The decision to extend the absence limit to 15 days aims to alleviate the burden on families while fostering a more collaborative dialogue between schools and parents. By entrusting the class teacher, who possesses a nuanced understanding of students' social dynamics and personal development, with the discretion to approve absences, the government seeks to promote a culture of mutual respect and understanding within the educational community.
To strike a balance between flexibility and academic continuity, parents will now have the option to excuse their child for up to 5 days at a time within a single application. This measure aims to mitigate the risk of prolonged absences leading to dropout rates among students.
Moreover, the amendments reflect a broader commitment to enhancing student well-being and inclusivity within the education system. Proposals related to sports activities and the provision of social services have been incorporated into the Ordinance, signaling a more holistic approach to student development. Specifically, institutions within the preschool and school education system will now have the flexibility to offer tailored social services aligned with students' interests, ages, and individual needs.
In alignment with ongoing digitization efforts, the Ordinance clarifies the process for submitting medical documentation for excused absences. Medical documents can now be submitted electronically, eliminating the need for paper submissions and offering convenience to families.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
In Bulgaria, 44 universities will not open their doors today as a form of protest
Google has allocated 1 million dollars in scholarships for young scientists working at the Bulgarian Institute for Computer Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, and Technologies
All state universities, along with some private institutions, will be closed on May 20 in protest against the government's failure to fulfill its obligations outlined in the Higher Education Law
Bulgaria has crowned not one, but two Spelling Bee champions this year
Seventh-grader Kaloyan Geshev from Sofia's 125 SU "Boyan Penev" school has once again showcased his remarkable talent in speed calculation, clinching the title of three-time champion in mental math
Japanese industrial giant Toyota is providing financial support to research conducted at the Sofia-based Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT), focusing on the realms of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI)
Sofia Airport's Terminal 3 Construction Set to Begin in Early 2026
COVID-19 Impact: Bulgaria's Grim Milestone as Highest Death Rate in EU