Moldova is moving forward with a significant change in its education system aimed at standardizing the assessment of communication skills in Romanian for both high school students and adults. On March 20, 2025, lawmakers voted in favor of a project to modify the Education Code, and this initiative has garnered considerable attention for its potential impact on education quality and employability.
The project received overwhelming support, with 66 deputies approving it in its second reading. It was crafted by members of the "Partidul Acțiune și Solidaritate," specifically deputies Larisa Novac, Marcela Adam, and Liliana Nicolaescu-Onofrei. According to the authors of this project, the legislative changes aim to improve education quality and enhance access to job opportunities, responding to contemporary demands for effective communication skills.
The modification outlines a structured framework for the evaluation of communication skills in Romanian, which is expected to reflect European standards. The new process will ensure that assessments are transparent, fair, and adapted to the current educational needs of students and adults. Importantly, those enrolled in secondary education will benefit from significant incentives—those who pass the assessment will automatically receive a score of 10, thus exempting them from the regular Romanian language exam at the baccalaureate level.
This automatic certification not only facilitates a smoother transition into higher education for students but also aligns their skills with market expectations, where effective communication is paramount. Implementing such a comprehensive initiative will require an investment of approximately 191,600 lei (around 9,580 euros) to develop examination materials and conduct both written and oral assessments. The budget for this endeavor will be provided by the Ministry of Education and Research.
Every year, around 400 individuals are expected to engage in the evaluation sessions, positioning this initiative as a pivotal step in reinforcing the linguistic capabilities of the populace. As stated in a note by the project authors, "Intervențiile legislative au ca obiective îmbunătățirea calității educației și creșterea oportunităților de acces pe piața muncii în contextul cerințelor privind competențele de comunicare în limba română, precum și asigurarea unui proces de certificare transparent, echitabil și adaptat nevoilor educaționale din prezent."
The legislative provisions set forth by this project are set to enter into force upon publication in the Official Gazette. Following this, the government has three months to formulate the necessary regulatory acts to facilitate the initiative's implementation. This timeline is critical as it underscores the urgency and dedication of the Moldovan government to tackle education reforms that are both relevant and beneficial for its citizens.
As Moldova continues to navigate its educational landscape, the importance of such reforms cannot be understated. The establishment of standardized assessments in communication skills not only enhances the educational framework but also prepares students and adults for the demands of an evolving job market. Providing quality education and ensuring that individuals have the skills required to succeed remains at the forefront of national priorities.
The movement towards digitalizing and standardizing this certification process signals Moldova’s commitment to integrating itself more fully into European educational frameworks. As the country aspires to improve its educational offerings and labor market outcomes, this initiative stands out as a potentially transformative change that aims to equip future generations with essential skills for success.
Overall, the approval of this modification to the Education Code reflects an optimistic vision for the future of education in Moldova, emphasizing accessibility and quality as its guiding principles. It not only highlights the importance of communication in contemporary society but also marks a significant step towards ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to thrive in a competitive economic landscape.
