site.btaPM Denkov, PISA Founder Schleicher Discuss Gaps in Bulgarian Education System

At a meeting in the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov and the creator of the global PISA study Andreas Schleicher discussed the gaps in the education system in Bulgaria that led to the alarming data from the international PISA study at the end of 2023, the Council of Ministers said on Facebook. 

Schleicher is Director for Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and is Special Advisor on Education Policy to the OECD Secretary-General.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Education and Science Galin Tzokov and Deputy Minister Natalia Miteva. 

The Prime Minister expressed concern about the PISA data for Bulgaria. "This motivates us to continue with bold reforms in Bulgarian education to help prepare our students for a successful life, Denkov said. 

"PISA has clearly shown where the weaknesses are in Bulgarian education. We are ready to hear suggestions on how to change it and adapt it to the realities of the modern world," the Prime Minister added. He stressed that this country will continue to work together with the OECD experts to transform Bulgarian education in such a way that the knowledge will be useful to children. 

Denkov noted that in recent years in Bulgaria teachers' salaries have been increased several times, and many investments have been made to improve infrastructure, connectivity, access to technology. He also pointed to the fight against early school leaving as a success.

Schleicher stressed that the OECD will continue to support Bulgaria in making bold reforms to raise the quality of Bulgarian education. To this end, good educational practices implemented in different countries will be used.

On Monday, Schleicher held a meeting with Minister Galin Tzokov and his team at the Ministry of Education and Science. He will also meet representatives of state institutions, principals, teachers, and students.