The aspire Teachers organization is spearheading a notable push to reform the Romanian high school system. Their proposals,aimed at modernizing education,include ensuring mathematical literacy for all high school students,abolishing the “green week” programme,and implementing project-based learning across various schools.These recommendations are part of a broader effort to improve the quality and relevance of education in Romania, addressing concerns about student preparedness for higher education and the modern workforce.

A core element of Aspire’s proposal is the emphasis on mathematical literacy for every high school student. This initiative seeks to provide students with the essential mathematical skills needed for success in both higher education and their future careers. The organization firmly believes that a strong foundation in mathematics is crucial for developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, skills that are increasingly vital in today’s rapidly changing world. This goes beyond basic arithmetic; it encompasses a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and their application to real-world scenarios.

The “green week,” currently viewed by manny as a student vacation and a bureaucratic burden, is another key target for reform. Aspire argues that this week, intended for environmental education and outdoor activities, has largely failed to achieve its intended objectives.Instead of fostering genuine environmental awareness, it often devolves into a superficial exercise. The organization proposes reallocating the resources and time dedicated to “green week” towards more effective and impactful educational initiatives that can better promote environmental stewardship.

Project-based learning is presented as a viable and engaging option, encouraging collaboration and practical application of knowlege. Aspire suggests introducing projects based on successful models in other schools, fostering a more engaging and relevant learning habitat. This approach aims to move away from rote memorization and towards a more hands-on, experiential form of education, where students actively participate in their learning process and develop critical thinking skills through real-world problem-solving.

Researchers from the Education Research Unit have also weighed in on the necessary changes to the high school framework. They emphasize the importance of transforming teacher training and granting schools greater autonomy. These changes, they argue, are essential for the effective implementation of any curriculum innovations. Empowering teachers with the necessary skills and resources,and allowing schools to adapt their approaches to meet the specific needs of their students,are seen as crucial steps towards creating a more effective and responsive education system.

However, not everyone is entirely on board with these proposed changes. The dean of the Mathematics Faculty in Bucharest expressed concerns about the potential consequences, notably regarding student choice. I don’t trust their choice, the dean stated, suggesting a skepticism about students’ ability to make informed decisions about their educational paths. This highlights the need for careful consideration of how these changes will impact student agency and the importance of providing adequate guidance and support to help students make informed decisions about their future.

These proposals from the aspire Teachers organization and the Education Research Unit represent a significant push for educational reform in Romania.The focus on mathematical literacy, the re-evaluation of “green week,” and the emphasis on project-based learning and school autonomy all point towards a desire to create a more effective and relevant educational system for Romanian high school students, one that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.