SOFIA, August 22, 2015 – Improving the quality of Bulgaria’s education system and ensuring equal opportunities for all students is the aim of a Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS) agreement signed by the Government of Bulgaria and the World Bank.
“Data shows that Bulgaria could converge with EU living standards in just one generation. But this will only be possible if productivity grows at a faster pace - and for the latter improved education outcomes are key,” said Tony Thompson, World Bank Country Manager for Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. “Nevertheless, better education outcomes mean better opportunities for success in life for all and we are glad to be able to support Bulgarian government in its efforts to promote shared prosperity,” he concluded.
Under the agreement, the World Bank will share best global practices with Bulgaria including: students’ assessment instruments and tests; methodologies for adding value to schools at the national and regional level software solutions and platforms developed in leading European countries. The World Bank team will also conduct a deep dive exercise based on statistical models piloted in the Republic of Bulgaria and similar models used routinely in leading European countries.
Education experts will look at so called low performing schools in order to help the Bulgarian Government improve quality and equality of its education system in a way that promotes an equal start in life for all students. This would imply analyzing different characteristics of schools, including the correlation between curriculum, social inclusion and students’ individual performance.
The World Bank, upon the request of the Ministry of Education and Science in Bulgaria, will provide guidance in applying best international practices in setting up strong school performance indicators, which measure individual school performance along with learning outcomes, quality of teaching, students drop out rates, transition and graduation rates and other indicators related to quality and equity aspects of school performance.
The RAS is for the next 15 months and will become effective upon parliamentary ratification. Upon submission all analytical work and reports of the World Bank are property of Bulgarian government.
For more information about the World Bank's work in Bulgaria, visit
www.worldbank.org/en/country/bulgaria
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