The objective of this reform is to increase quality and access to education and training. The reform consists of the entry into force of a legislative package, which shall include: 1. amendments to the Preschool and School Education Act, including secondary legislation. The amendments shall introduce: revisions to curricula, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects; additional hybrid forms of learning, combining in-presence and distance options; as well as the mandatory inclusion of four-years-old in preschool education, which shall be implemented progressively and completed by the school year 2023/2024; 2. amendments to the Employment Promotion Act, which shall expand eligibility for trainings participation and introduce new options for trainings and for the validation of competencies; 3. amendments to the regulatory framework for vocational education and training (VET), which shall introduce changes to the list of professions for VET and their programmes, in accordance with the needs of professional competences, including in the green and digital sectors. The reform shall also include the adoption of an action plan containing the measures addressing the recommendations of the Strategic Framework for the Development of Education, Training and Learning in the Republic of Bulgaria (2021-2030). This Strategic Framework shall set out the priorities for the development of the Bulgarian education system until 2030 and provide recommendations, with a particular focus on access to quality education for vulnerable groups, including Roma; The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 September 2023.
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