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Unauthorized private tutoring remains a complex issue, with new forms of "disguised" extra classes emerging. In late April, in HCM City, a tutoring class disguised as a "handwriting class" at Thanh Da Cultural House (Binh Thanh District) was shut down following public complaints. Inspectors found several public primary school teachers had rented the venue to teach 50 students.

The district authorities ordered Thanh Da Cultural House to close those classes and prohibited teachers from renting the venue for tutoring. Teachers who violated tutoring regulations were reported to their schools for disciplinary action.

In Hanoi, a tutoring center in Dong Da District with nearly 600 students and 29 teachers was closed for violating regulations on information disclosure and fire safety.

In Ha Dong District, five teachers from Van Yen Secondary School have been rated as "not completing their duties" because of unauthorized tutoring. Three of the teachers had signed contracts with a tutoring center and reported their private teaching to their school. However, the teaching location differed from what was reported. The center explained that its facility was under renovation, so the teachers temporarily moved to a new location.

The other two teachers had not signed contracts and were found teaching their own students (students following curricular program at school). One claimed to teach students for free, thereby not violating the current regulations, while the other said she was substituting for a hospitalized colleague.

According to Son, despite numerous legal regulations on private tutoring and extra classes over the past three decades, the practice has continued to proliferate in various forms.

On February 14, Circular 29 on managing private tutoring and extra classes took effect. Schools are allowed to provide tutoring to three groups of students: students with unsatisfactory academic results, those selected for advanced training, and final-year students who voluntarily register for exam preparation.

Teachers who want to give private tutoring outside school must make business registration and have transparent information about tuition and teaching duration. Teachers are not allowed to collect private tutoring fees from their school students.

Under the circular, private tutoring and extra classes are "not banned", 

but must not interfere with the school's educational plan, subject curriculum, or teachers' teaching schedules.

In a report to the National Assembly, Son stated that the Ministry aims to eliminate tutoring in schools, enhance the quality of regular class hours, and provide students with time and space for experiential learning, practice, and skill development through personalized educational activities for holistic growth.

Initial results, according to the Minister, show that Circular 29 has curbed rampant private tutoring and extra classes. Schools have focused on improving the quality of regular teaching and learning, ending fee-based tutoring within schools, and creating conditions for students to access knowledge without academic or financial pressure.

For teachers, the rule prohibiting them from tutoring their assigned students helps avoid negative perceptions about legitimate tutoring, reinforcing their reputation and dignity.

Additionally, teachers' awareness of income tax obligations and the value of professional self-development has changed. Some teachers even advocate for a complete ban on tutoring both inside and outside schools, as they desire more time for family, rest, and professional growth.

Son said the circular has curbed rampant private tutoring and extra classes. Schools now focus on improving the quality of regular teaching and learning, ending fee-based tutoring within schools, and creating conditions for students to access knowledge without academic or financial pressure.

For teachers, the rule prohibiting them from tutoring their own students helps avoid negative perceptions about legitimate tutoring, and enhances their reputation and dignity.

About existing problems, Son said since 2020, when tutoring and extra classes were no longer classified as a conditional business sector, management has become more challenging, with local authorities unclear about sanctions for violations.

The list of administrative violations in education currently lacks some offenses related to tutoring and extra classes that need to be added. Local authorities have proactively applied penalties based on laws governing public servants and other related regulations.

Tran Thuong