Consultations: Ministry of Education Discusses School Violence with Pupils, Students, Teachers, and Parents

Combating abusive behavior in university and pre-university settings, enhancing school safety, and strengthening the authority of teachers were the primary topics of consultations organized by the Ministry of Education and Research with representatives of pupils, university students, teaching staff, and parents. According to the Ministry, the discussions were attended by the Minister of Education and Research, Sorin Costreie, and the Minister-Delegate for Pre-university Education, Sorin Ionescu.

• School Safety Among Key Concerns

The meetings took place last week, held separately for each group of stakeholders to allow participants to present the specific issues they face. The initial consultations were held with student representatives, involving the leadership of the National Alliance of Student Organizations in Romania (ANOSR), the National Union of Students in Romania (UNSR), and the Union of Students in Romania (USR). These were followed by discussions with representatives of the National Council of Pupils (CNE). Meetings with teaching staff included representatives from the Community for Excellence in School Management (CEMS), the National Association of Pedagogical Colleges and High Schools in Romania, and the Bucharest Municipality Center for Educational Resources and Assistance. The consultation process concluded with meetings involving parent representatives, specifically the leadership of the "Edupart" National Federation of Parents and the "ProEdu" Federation of Parents. According to the Ministry of Education, participants highlighted the need to combat abusive behavior and to expand measures aimed at increasing safety in schools. Other topics raised included strengthening the status of teaching staff, professionalizing educational management, and reducing bureaucracy within educational institutions.

• Ministry of Education supports increasing the number of school counselors

Sorin Costreie stated that safe schools are a priority, emphasizing the need to restore authority to teachers and to strengthen the partnership between schools and families. He also advocated for increasing the number of school counselors and enhancing their collaboration with primary school teachers and homeroom teachers. According to him, such cooperation can help in the early identification of emotional and behavioral difficulties and in fostering a school culture rooted in prevention. "One of our priorities is to ensure safe schools. Furthermore, I believe it is essential to restore authority to teachers-to grant the profession the social status it deserves-and, likewise, to strengthen the partnership between schools and families," stated Sorin Costreie, according to the Ministry's press release.

• Consultations to continue within school communities

Sorin Ionescu, the Minister-Delegate for Pre-university Education, noted that these meetings mark the beginning of a broader series of consultations designed to identify the actual needs of the education system. The official highlighted the rise in school violence as a primary concern, underscoring the need for firm and immediate solutions. "The Ministry of Education must be a source of genuine support for students and teachers, not merely an instrument of control. Together, we are building the kind of school system that Romania needs," stated Sorin Ionescu. In the coming period, the two officials are also set to meet with representatives of school inspectorates and trade union federations from the pre-university and higher education sectors, according to the Press Office of the Ministry of Education and Research.