HIGHLY CENTRALISED EDUCATION SYSTEM
The problem is not a lack of money. The Education Ministry already receives 24% of the national
budget. This percentage is the second highest in the world. Teachers also receive decent salaries and
welfare support.
As to why the well-oiled system delivers miserably poor results, abundant research points
to similar factors; obsession with rote learning, an authoritarian school culture, and a highly
centralised education system.
Under the current system, Obec gives orders in minute details for schools nationwide on what they
can and cannot do. It tells schools what subjects to study and how. Schools cannot even hire their
own teachers to respond to needs on the ground.
Obec also moves teachers around without any say from schools. The teachers'promotion system is
based on their paperwork as judged by Obec technocrats, not on the quality of classroom teaching
nor student performance. Teacher pay (remuneration) is based solely on years of service. As a result,
teachers' salaries steadily rise as education quality dips.
Accountability is not a feature of this system which strengthens central control. It is why quality
teaching goes out the window.
In top-down style, Obec has already issued directives on what types of activities should be provided
for students from 2pm to 4pm after regular classes finish.
Again, most teachers will follow their bosses' orders instead of exploring students' needs to help
them realise their full potential.
Meanwhile, the remaining class hours will continue with rote learning with an emphasis on respect
for authority, obedience and exams that are often based on textbooks well
beyond a student's years.