Following the administrative merger of provinces and the implementation of a two-tier government model from July 1, numerous references in current textbooks no longer align with reality and require revision.

Most of the affected materials are in History and Geography textbooks, which include outdated data and regional references now obsolete due to recent administrative changes.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Tung, a member of the Board and Deputy Editor-in-Chief at Vietnam Education Publishing House (NXBGDVN), said that the publisher has directed its editorial boards and related units to review all content for compliance with new administrative boundaries and governance structures. The findings will be submitted to the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) for guidance on necessary amendments.

"Once the MOET releases updated guidelines - announced on June 14 - on required revisions in certain subjects, NXBGDVN will proceed to modify the textbooks and submit them for evaluation following standard procedures," said Mr. Tung.

He added that the principle is to update essential learning requirements, data, maps, and regional names while minimizing content changes wherever possible.

In the meantime, teachers and students will continue to use the current textbooks for the 2025-2026 academic year. The MOET will provide specific instructions, encouraging schools and teachers to proactively adapt lessons and learning topics to suit their local realities and the two-tier government system.

NXBGDVN affirmed its commitment to supporting teachers in using existing textbooks according to MOET directives. They noted that textbooks for the 2025-2026 academic year are already being printed and stocked, with expected delivery to schools by July to meet student needs.

Previously, the MOET stated that reviewing the curriculum and textbooks in 2025 is essential, especially in the context of nationwide administrative adjustments. The subjects most affected include: History and Geography for Grades 4, 5, and 9; Geography for Grade 12; and History, Economics, and Law Education for Grade 10.

The Ministry emphasized minimizing textbook changes while enhancing teacher autonomy to tailor lessons to local contexts.

In the coming period, the MOET will issue official directives to help local education authorities and schools implement the changes smoothly and without disruption. This is part of the broader effort to review and update the 2018 General Education Program, ensuring alignment with evolving educational needs and the country’s socio-economic development goals.

Local governments are also expected to design new regional education content that reflects their new administrative configurations, based on MOET's framework.

Thanh Hung