"Forced" or "voluntary"? Clarifying the case of parents 'accusing' Mo Lao school of forcing extra classes

On February 11, 2025, information about parents of Mo Lao Secondary School being forced to sign extra-curricular papers caused a stir. However, the school and the Ha Dong District Education Department affirmed that this was just a misunderstanding, and clarified the new regulations on extra teaching and learning according to Circular 29.

According to the parents, on February 10, they were invited to an extraordinary parent-teacher meeting at the school. During the meeting, the homeroom teacher informed them that the school would continue to hold paid afternoon tutoring classes, and asked parents to sign a voluntary registration form for their children to participate.

The parents said they had witnessed and heard rumors about teachers pressuring parents if they did not agree to let their children take extra classes. This made them suspect that the school was deliberately circumventing the law and forcing parents to sign the papers.

Immediately, this post attracted the attention of many people on social networks. Parents and the online community expressed their anger and concern about the issue of forced tutoring, when the Ministry of Education and Training is implementing strict instructions on tutoring and tutoring in schools.

In response to this information, the leaders of the Department of Education and Training of Ha Dong district have officially responded. Ms. Pham Thi Le Hang, Head of the Department of Education and Training, said that the information from parents on social networks was inaccurate and a misunderstanding. According to Ms. Hang, after Circular No. 29/2024/TT-BGDDT on extra teaching and learning issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, on February 10, the Department of Education held a meeting to thoroughly grasp the regulations of this Circular for schools.

"Organizing two sessions a day with afternoon fees is completely legal and in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training. Before implementing, the school consulted with parents, and the result was that 100% of parents agreed," Ms. Hang explained.

Also on the afternoon of February 11, Ms. Le Thi Hong Phuong, Principal of Mo Lao Secondary School, spoke out to deny the information about forcing extra classes. According to Ms. Phuong, the school has been teaching 2 sessions/day for a long time, and with the application of Circular 29, the school held a meeting with parents to ask for opinions on continuing to organize 2 sessions/day in the context of many parents worrying about managing their children when they do not study in the afternoon.

Circular 29 of the Ministry of Education and Training, effective from February 14, clearly stipulates the provision of extra teaching and learning in schools. In particular, this Circular prohibits extra teaching for primary school students and does not allow collecting money from students during extra classes at school. Extra classes are only allowed to be organized for students with poor academic results, excellent students receiving extra training, or final year students voluntarily reviewing for exams.

In addition, Circular 29 requires schools that organize two sessions per day to ensure facilities and have the consent of parents. Organizing extra classes must also comply with the principle of voluntariness, without forcing students and parents to participate.

Despite the clarification from the school and education authorities, the story has still generated a lot of interest in the community. Parents on social media have shared their personal stories and experiences of how teachers can pressure them to take extra classes.

With Circular 29 taking effect from February 14, 2025, the issue of extra teaching and learning at schools will become a topic of interest not only to parents but also to the whole society. Despite initial misunderstandings, according to information from educational agencies and schools, the organization of extra learning will be carried out transparently, in accordance with regulations, and there will be no coercion of students or parents to participate.

Hopefully, through this incident, both parents and schools will understand each other better and work together in educating their children, ensuring the rights and comprehensive development of students.

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