Ministry of Education Stance on the Draft Law
Ukraine's Minister of Education and Science, Oksen Lisovyi, has voiced strong opposition to a legislative proposal that would reduce the number of compulsory subjects in the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) and drop mathematics from the required list. The Ministry of Education, he stated, rejects the draft law, deeming it unacceptable for the country's educational standards.
Lisovyi remarked: 'Eliminating mathematics or history from the mandatory NMT subjects is absurd. It will bring no positive outcomes for our nation.'
An alternative bill has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada, aiming to cut the mandatory NMT subjects from three to two. Currently, the NMT framework includes three compulsory disciplines: Ukrainian language, mathematics, and history of Ukraine, plus one elective subject. The proposed legislation seeks to remove mathematics from the mandatory list starting in 2027.
Sociological Surveys and Public Initiatives
Additionally, the Ministry of Education noted that the government has submitted a draft law on 2027 admission conditions, which aligns with the current 2026 entry requirements. However, Lisovyi emphasized that the alternative proposal, which alters the status of mathematics, has not gained the Ministry's backing.
Meanwhile, a sociological survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) revealed varied public opinions on mathematics. According to the data, 11% of respondents felt mathematics was unnecessary after school, and 6% supported reducing teaching hours for the subject. KIIS Director General, Professor Volodymyr Paniotto, released these findings, highlighting societal attitudes.
A petition has also been registered on the Cabinet of Ministers' website, calling for the abolition of the mandatory NMT for students entering contract-based study programs. These initiatives are sparking lively debates within society and among education experts.
The ongoing discussion about the compulsory subjects of the National Multi-Subject Test underscores critical questions regarding the content and quality of education in Ukraine. The minister's remarks and the sociological data point to diverse perspectives on the role of mathematics in schooling. The public continues to actively debate potential changes to the education system, signaling the need to consider citizen input when introducing curricular reforms.
As the debate intensifies, the proposed changes to the National Multi-Subject Test are raising concerns among educators and lawmakers alike. This controversy comes in light of a separate initiative aimed at reducing the number of mandatory exams to just two. For more insights on this legislative proposal and its implications for education in Ukraine, read more about the recent suggestions to streamline the NMT.