The government's report presented this content during the National Assembly Standing Committee's discussion on proposed amendments to the Education Law, Higher Education Law, and Vocational Education Law on 4/12.

Previously, many delegates requested clarification on the state's responsibility and the socialization of textbook compilation, appraisal, printing, and distribution. Numerous opinions suggested inheriting current sets to synthesize a single set for national use.

The government stated that the principles for developing the common textbook set must be public, transparent, economical, avoid disrupting teaching and learning activities, inherit the strengths of existing textbook sets, and ensure high feasibility. Accordingly, the Ministry of Education and Training is tasked with thoroughly researching to compile or select a unified, quality textbook set.

Regarding the compilation method, the government assessed that determining whether the state directly compiles the textbooks or if it is done through socialization is not feasible at this time, as the specific plan is currently under review by competent authorities.

Therefore, the draft amendment to the Education Law stipulates that: "The Minister of Education and Training will decide on a single nationwide textbook set", ensuring flexibility in implementation. The minister can organize the compilation of a new set or select and revise existing textbooks, depending on practical conditions.

Once the plan is finalized, the government will direct the Ministry of Education and Training to issue comprehensive regulations related to textbook compilation, appraisal, and selection.

Students at Hung Loi Primary School, Lam Thanh commune, Nghe An province, during a class on 19/11. Photo: Duc Hung

Students at Hung Loi Primary School, Lam Thanh commune, Nghe An province, during a class on 19/11. Photo: Duc Hung

Politburo's Resolution 71, issued in late august, mandates reviewing the general education program to ensure the provision of a single textbook set for nationwide application starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, aiming to provide free textbooks to all students by 2030.

Previously, National Assembly's Resolution 88 in 2014 advocated for "one curriculum, multiple textbook sets" with a focus on socializing compilation and ending publishing monopolies. The Ministry of Education and Training was assigned to organize the compilation of one set with USD 16 million in funding from a World Bank loan, but this was not realized.

Le Nguyen