'High School Equivalent': How to understand it correctly?

Resolution 71 sets a target of 85% of young people completing high school or equivalent by 2030. This concept, if not clearly defined, can easily lead to misunderstanding and distinction between general education and vocational training.

But if established in accordance with international practice, this will be a turning point to expand equal opportunities, eliminate prejudices and bring practical benefits to learners in study, work and integration.

First of all, it is necessary to clearly distinguish the structure of secondary education in the world . According to UNESCO's ISCED classification, secondary education consists of two stages: lower secondary (junior high school) from grades 6-9, ages 11-15, is the basic universalization stage; upper secondary (high school) from grades 10-12, ages 15-18, prepares for higher education or participation in the labor market. Most developed countries consider upper secondary as the minimum standard, while many developing countries only universalize secondary education. Therefore, Vietnam's goal of universalizing high school or equivalent has shown its determination to approach international standards.

Invest heavily in vocational schools, from facilities to staff, so that students have a quality learning experience.

Photo by My Quyen

"Equivalence" should be understood as different pathways that are recognized in terms of legal value and development opportunities, not duplicate degrees.

For example, in France, students can choose a general baccalauréat, a technology baccalauréat, or a vocational baccalauréat; all are equally valuable. In Germany, whether they attend a Gymnasium, Realschule, or Berufsschule, qualified students are recognized at Level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework and can continue their studies or go to work. In the US, in addition to the high school diploma, there is also the GED (General Educational Development) - both are accepted by universities and businesses. The common point is that there are many paths, but the value is "equivalent" legally.

China's Vocational Education Law 2022, effective from 2023, Article 53 stipulates: Vocational school students at the same level and general school students at the same level enjoy equal opportunities to continue their studies. This provision clearly affirms two different paths but of equal value. Vocational students are still considered to have completed their education at the high school level.

In Vietnam, high school has long been considered the official path, while vocational high school has been overlooked. If "equivalent" is not defined correctly, universalizing high school can easily become a formality, focusing on only one path and ignoring vocational training. That goes against the spirit of Resolution 71 as well as international trends.

So how should we understand "equivalent to high school"? First of all, they must be recognized at Level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework. Whether studying high school, vocational high school or other flexible pathways, as long as they meet the output standards, students have equal rights: to continue studying at college or university; to participate in the labor market; to have their degrees recognized when going abroad. Next, the output standards must be unified. Diplomas need to be compared with the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) and ISCED.

To implement, a number of solutions are needed. First, build a unified output standard applicable to both high school and vocational secondary schools. Second, amend the Law on Education and the Law on Vocational Education, clearly stating the recognition of equality between the two paths in the National Qualifications Framework (level 4). Third, promote communication to change perceptions, helping parents and students understand that vocational training is not inferior, but is another option to achieve the same level. Fourth, invest heavily in vocational schools, from facilities to staff, so that students have a quality learning experience. Fifth, integrate internationally by announcing bilingual output standards, issuing transparent diploma supplements, helping students to study and work abroad.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tuong-duong-thpt-hieu-sao-cho-dung-185250915194601222.htm