Circular No.29 sets out strict regulations to control and limit the widespread extra teaching and tutoring within the general education system. Specifically, it completely prohibits extra teaching for primary school students; prohibits teachers from providing paid extra lessons to students they currently teach at school; bans teachers from participating in the management or administration of out-of-school tutoring activities; and if extra lessons are organized within the school, no tuition fees may be collected from students.

However, as the 2025-2026 school year approaches, many parents wish their children to review, practice handwriting, and supplement knowledge before moving to a new grade. This has led to some teachers agreeing to parents’ requests to organize private tutoring in the form of individual lessons or in cooperation with learning centers, but in reality holding classes at their own homes. Some even register to teach at centers but actually conduct lessons outside the centers’ premises, making it difficult to monitor and ensure compliance with Circular No.29.

Ms. L.P.D. from Điện Biên Phủ ward shared: “I understand that the Circular aims to reduce the academic burden on students, but in reality, many parents like me still want our children to have extra review so they won’t lose knowledge. However, tutoring must be transparent and in accordance with the regulations, if we have to let our children learn in secret, it only makes us more worried.”

Although tutoring costs at centers and learning institutions are now higher than before, many parents are still willing to pay so their children can supplement and review knowledge. The demand is particularly high among students moving to a higher level of schooling or those aiming for specialized schools or gifted classes.

Mr. Đ.N.T. from Mường Thanh ward said: “Even though the tutoring cost has gone up, as long as it’s effective, we parents still accept it. However, we also require that extra teaching and tutoring be strictly managed, to prevent abuses and disguised practices during implementation.”

To prevent disguised forms of extra teaching and tutoring in line with the spirit of Circular No.29, the provincial Department of Education and Training (DoET) has instructed schools in the province to step up communication with administrators, teachers, students, and parents about relevant legal provisions. The goal is to raise awareness and build consensus in the community, ensuring that extra teaching complies with regulations and does not put pressure on students. The DoET has also requested schools to review and rectify extra teaching within schools. For lower and upper secondary levels, schools should group students appropriately, design lesson content and duration in accordance with Circular No.29, and strictly manage teachers who teach outside of school. Extra teaching for primary students is strictly prohibited, except for arts, sports, and life skills training; teachers must not force students to attend extra lessons under any circumstances.

In the first six months of this year, the DoET, in coordination with the provincial Department of Finance and the provincial Police, set up an inter-agency inspection team in Điện Biên Phủ city and Điện Biên district (former administrative units). The results showed no disguised tutoring practices. In the coming period, the DoET will continue working with relevant agencies and local authorities to inspect and strictly handle violations in extra teaching activities.

Deputy Director of the provincial DoET, Mr. Cù Huy Hoàn, affirmed: “Extra teaching and tutoring is a legitimate need for some students, parents, and teachers. However, this activity must be organized in compliance with the law, must stem from the genuine needs of students, and must not involve coercion or disguised forms. Extra teaching and tutoring may only take place when all conditions regarding facilities, qualified teaching staff, and supplementary curriculum appropriate to students’ capacity and needs are met. The aim is to create a healthy, transparent learning environment that improves overall education quality without causing pressure or creating inequality in access to knowledge.”

To ensure that extra teaching and tutoring comply with regulations and genuinely meet students’ learning needs, the DoET will continue to refine directive documents, strengthen coordination with units and localities in regular and ad hoc inspections, especially in areas showing complex signs. Violations will be rectified, prevented, and strictly handled.

For Circular No.29 to be implemented effectively, alongside management and inspection, the DoET is also focusing on improving the quality of regular classes, considered a long-term solution to reducing unnecessary tutoring needs. Efforts include investing in building a team of teachers with strong professional competence and dedication, adjusting curricula to suit each level, and innovating teaching methods to create a positive learning environment that fosters students’ abilities and creativity.

At the same time, experiential activities and life skills training are being promoted to enhance comprehensive education. The DoET encourages diversifying learning support methods such as guided self-study, online learning, and extracurricular activities to help students consolidate knowledge flexibly. The role of parents and the community in monitoring extra teaching is also being strengthened through feedback channels such as hotlines, contributing to building a fair, transparent, and substantive educational environment.