Resolution 71-NQ/TW and breakthrough policies for education

Resolution 71-NQ/TW (Resolution 71) of the Politburo on breakthrough in education and training development is considered a comprehensive policy, demonstrating high political determination in making education a key driving force for the country's sustainable development.

From general policy to quantitative goals

According to many higher education experts, one of the biggest highlights of Resolution 71 is the strong shift in policy-making thinking.

Previously, Resolution 29-NQ/TW of the 11th Party Central Committee emphasized the motto of "fundamental and comprehensive innovation" in education and training; now Resolution 71 has raised it to "strategic breakthrough".

According to Associate Professor Dr. Tran Hoai An - Party Secretary - Chairman of the Council of Vietnam Aviation Academy, this change shows a drastic, pragmatic and ultimately effective approach. This document does not stop at internal reform but aims to create an open, interconnected and effective institution.

According to Mr. An, the comprehensiveness of Resolution 71 is demonstrated by simultaneously resolving many major "bottlenecks" that have hindered the development of the education sector over the past years.

Specifically, in terms of institutions and governance, the Resolution proposes major changes such as not organizing School Councils at most public educational institutions and implementing the principle of Party Secretary being the head.

"The goal of this change is to 'definite roles and shorten decisions', thereby breaking down bureaucracy and stagnation, creating space for creativity and flexibility at the grassroots level," Mr. An emphasized.

The Chairman of the Council of the Vietnam Aviation Academy commented that, in terms of financial resources, this is the first time a policy document has set out specific and strong quantitative targets: the budget for education must reach at least 20% of the total state budget expenditure, of which investment expenditure must reach at least 5% and expenditure for higher education must reach at least 3%.

According to Mr. An, this is a strong political commitment, creating a solid foundation for the education sector to have stable development resources, instead of depending on short-term plans.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Hoai An - Party Secretary - Chairman of the Council of Vietnam Aviation Academy.

Sharing the same opinion, MSc. Duong Nhat Linh - lecturer of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Career Education Specialist - Ho Chi Minh City Open University, said that the core breakthrough of Resolution 71 is to shift the focus from "general policy" to "with indicators".

This creates a measurable reform framework and requires clear accountability.

The major goals in the Resolution, such as the international vision of having at least 8 higher education institutions in the top 200 in Asia by 2030 and at least 5 institutions in the top 100 in the world in some fields by 2045, are proof of the aspiration for deep integration.

These specific numbers not only create enforcement pressure but also force the entire system to transform to improve international competitiveness.

Breakthrough in teacher policy, the "heart" of reform

If the goals of governance and finance are the foundation, then the remuneration policy for teachers is the "heart" and the decisive factor for the success of this reform.

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Hoai An analyzed that raising the preferential allowance to at least 70% for preschool and primary school teachers, along with 100% for teachers in especially difficult areas, is a strategic move with immediate and strong impact.

Many teachers expressed their "extreme joy and excitement" because their hardships and disadvantages were finally understood and supported promptly. For teachers in mountainous areas, this policy not only improves their lives but also helps them feel secure in their work and contribute long-term. This is expected to be a lever to "retain talented people in the profession" and encourage excellent students to choose the teaching profession.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Hoai An, Party Secretary, Chairman of the Council of Vietnam Aviation Academy.

Complementing this perspective, MSc. Duong Nhat Linh delves into three substantive changes that Resolution 71 will bring to the university education system in particular, and to the education and training sector in general.

First, it is “visible and tangible” income and benefits. This does not stop at increasing preferential allowances but also includes reforming the salary scale according to job position and actual capacity.

According to MSc. Linh, it is necessary to shorten the time for implementing local budgets so that teachers can receive benefits in a timely manner, avoiding the situation where policies exist but implementation is slow.

In addition, policies on housing, free/reduced training and mental health support need to be supplemented to reduce occupational burnout and help teachers stay focused on their schools and classes.

MSc. Duong Nhat Linh - Lecturer, Faculty of Biotechnology and Career Education Specialist - Ho Chi Minh City Open University.

Second, restore teaching to its status as an “attractive profession.” This requires flexible recruitment and retention mechanisms through competitive contracts, clear career paths, and appropriate recognition for professional achievement.

Ms. Linh proposed to encourage good teachers to lead professionally in school clusters or expert networks, while ensuring the occupational safety and social status of teachers through protection regulations and interaction standards between schools, parents and society.

Third, the remuneration policy must be linked to teaching quality and development opportunities. MSc. Linh believes that it is necessary to link additional income to student development outcomes and contributions to innovative teaching methods, but must be accompanied by a fair and transparent evaluation mechanism to avoid the mentality of "chasing after achievements".

At the same time, expanding scholarships and professional exchange programs at home and abroad will help teachers proactively update their knowledge, educational technology and digital capacity.

"The biggest expectation is for changes that 'touch the classroom'. When salaries and allowances are sufficient to live on, administrative procedures are reduced, time spent on teaching and training increases, and career paths are clear, teachers will be respected and empowered. At that time, the quality of education from primary to university will have a real breakthrough," emphasized Master Duong Nhat Linh.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/nghi-quyet-71-nqtw-va-nhung-chinh-sach-dot-pha-cho-giao-duc-post747083.html