Bulgaria and Romania launch TSI project to advance curriculum reforms with support from the European Commission and OECD

Bulgaria and Romania launched a collaborative initiative today aimed at delivering curriculum reforms to improve student learning outcomes. The project will support both countries in translating curriculum reforms into practice in the classroom.   

Over the past decade, Bulgaria and Romania have embarked on comprehensive curriculum reforms to modernise instruction and equip students with the competencies they need to thrive in today’s economy. This is important in a context where, according to PISA 2022, around half of 15-year-old students in both countries do not master core competencies in reading, mathematics, and science.

Under the project, funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) and implemented by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in partnership with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM), the two organisations will provide targeted support to Bulgaria and Romania to develop resources in three key areas central to improving student outcomes: 1) curricular resources that help teachers apply new methods of instruction in their classrooms, 2) monitoring and evaluation tools that assess and provide feedback on teaching and learning , and 3) capacity development models that empower teachers and schools to transform their practice. 

For Judit Rózsa, Director-General (acting) at DG REFORM of the European Commission, “By embarking on this journey together to close learning gaps and improve learning outcomes, Bulgaria and Romania are delivering an important contribution towards making education systems in the EU stronger and more resilient” adding, “We are committed to support Bulgaria and Romania in preparing the new generations for adapting to a rapidly evolving world.”

“It is inspiring to see both countries on a path towards aligning what is taught in schools with what the future will demand from young people. These countries are moving beyond mere intention, developing state-of-the-art instructional resources, building teaching capacity for delivery in the classroom and exploring new approaches to assessment. The OECD is pleased to be able to support this progress,” said OECD Director for Education and Skills, Andreas Schleicher.

The collaboration between the OECD, DG REFORM, and the Bulgarian and Romanian ministries reflects a shared commitment to modernising curricula for the benefit of learners and societies at large. The multi-country nature of the project, moreover, presents a unique opportunity for Bulgaria and Romania to share good practice and pool expertise. It highlights the role of the European Union in bringing member states together to address common challenges and advance reforms critical for long-term development.

Educators, policymakers, and the broader education community from Bulgaria and Romania are encouraged to actively contribute to the project through consultation sessions and other activities with a view to driving the translation of the curriculum into classroom practice.

The project “Strengthening the capacity of Bulgaria and Romania to design and deliver curriculum reforms and improve student learning outcomes” is implemented by the OECD via the European Union’s TSI in close co-operation with the European Commission’s DG REFORM, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Education and Science, and Romania’s Ministry of Education.

For more information:

Stefan de Keersmaecker – European Commission's Spokesperson's Service, Spokesperson regional policy and structural reforms

Email: stefan [dot] de-keersmaeckerec [dot] europa [dot] eu (stefan[dot]de-keersmaecker[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)

Phone number: +32 2 298 46 80

Laetitia Close - European Commission's Spokesperson's Service Laetitia Close, Press Officer

Email: laetitia [dot] closeec [dot] europa [dot] eu (laetitia[dot]close[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)

Phone number: +32 2 296 70 73

Sasha Ramirez - OECD Education and Skills Communication Manager

Email: sasha [dot] ramirez-hughesoecd [dot] org (sasha[dot]ramirez-hughes[at]oecd[dot]org)