Romania education system faces 9th-grade class cancellations and textbook shortages

The Romanian education system is facing significant challenges at the start of the new school year, specifically affecting 9th-grade students. In Timiș County, the School Inspectorate reported an unprecedented situation where 16 9th-grade classes were disbanded in August because they failed to form. Aura Danielescu, head of the Timiș School Inspectorate, attributed this to changes in how students enter professional education, noting that the elimination of professional schools forced all students through a computerized admission process, resulting in approximately 800 unoccupied spots.

Simultaneously, 9th-grade students across the country are starting the year without required textbooks. Education Minister Mihai Dimian stated that delays in procurement and printing procedures, caused by changes in school curricula, prevented the availability of materials before classes began. To mitigate the issue, teachers have been advised to use old textbooks or digital versions where content overlaps with new programs, and to focus on reviewing previously learned concepts. The Ministry of Education expects contracts for new textbooks to be signed in the second half of September, with digital versions potentially becoming available first.