site.btaOECD Mission Evaluates Bulgaria's Achievements in Education

Representatives of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) conducted a one-week technical mission in Bulgaria focusing on its education and science policies. The technical mission is part of the process of Bulgaria's accession to the organization, the Education and Science Ministry said on Tuesday.

The OECD experts visited schools, kindergartens and universities in several regions. Meetings were held with the leadership of the Education and Science Ministry and with experts from the Ministry's directorates and units. The OECD representatives were detailed on the policies implemented by the Ministry. Members of the technical mission also met with representatives of the civil society sector, trade unions and employers' organizations in the education system.

They evaluated the positive achievements as a prerequisite for Bulgaria's future accession to the OECD. Recommendations were made to build on the achievements towards ensuring equal access to quality education in all regions of the country, stronger parent involvement, development of lifelong learning and matching higher education to the needs of the economy.

Education Minister Galin Tzokov said at the closing meeting with the OECD representatives that the recommendations would provide guidance on how to continue the policy of providing quality education. He cited the PISA survey, which shows a big difference between the top and bottom results of Bulgarian school students. "If we manage to narrow the gap towards the better results, we will do a very good job for Bulgaria," Tzokov said.

On February 12-13, Andreas Schleicher, Director for the OECD Directorate of Education and Skills, is expected to visit Bulgaria.