Government Unveils Action Plan for Education Reform

The Government of Georgia unveiled a new action plan for education reform, which aims at improving the quality of education at all levels, and represents one of the areas in the Government’s four-point reform plan.

The action plan, dubbed “Twelve Steps to Quality Education,” was introduced to government officials, lawmakers, experts, and representatives of local and international organizations at an outdoor presentation on May 7.

Georgian Education Minister Mikheil Chkhenkeli, who presented the action plan yesterday, said it would cover four components, including general education, vocational training, higher education and informal education.

Minister Chkhenkeli listed professional development of teachers as one of the priorities of the general education reform, noting that the teachers would undergo intensive trainings for increasing their qualifications and skills.

Chkhenkeli also announced that beginning from September the Ministry would renew textbooks for the first six grades. Textbooks for upper graders will be replaced later, according to the Minister.

The Education Minister added that school safety reforms would continue with participation of psychologists and parents. For that, contracts will be signed with the latter, defining rights and obligations of parents and schools.

On vocational training, Chkhenkeli said colleges would be established under universities to promote the field. He also said the dual education model would be introduced, involving private sector participation in vocational training.

The Minister also touched upon the higher education reform, saying criteria for granting accreditation would be changed, and “only those higher educational institutions will be authorized that have high academic standards.”

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili spoke at the presentation as well, stressing education was “a number one priority in the government’s four-point reform plan.” “We want the education system to be tailored to the needs of the market and to serve as the main driving force behind economic growth,” he said.

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