In order to organise entrance exams this year, Saeima’s Education, Culture and Science Committee has ordered the Ministry of Education and Science to develop and submit to the parliament alternative amendments to the General Education Law, as reported by the Saeima’s press-service.
The ministry has until the 17th of April to develop and submit amendments.
2023 will be the first school year when Latvia will be holding centralised Latvian language, mathematics and foreign language exams. According to regulations currently in force, the subjects students have to pass centralised exams for cannot be used for entrance exams.
It is planned to create a single approach for admission to secondary education programmes, both secondary schools and state gymnasiums. Previously the ministry suggested making so that a primary education certificate is enough to prove a person’s score in state examinations.
At the meeting of the Saeima committee representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science explained that results of this year’s centralised state exams will help paint a clearer picture. Once exams are over and results are known, it will be possible to discuss the order under which students are to be admitted to secondary education programmes.
In the alternative legislative draft it is planned to clarify regulations regarding the documents residents receive for finishing general education programmes.
The committee also viewed amendments in relation to special needs students in classes, as well as the organisational structure of boarding schools. Saeima deputies agreed that these topics are to be discussed individually.
It is planned for the Saeima to review alternative amendments on Wednesday, the 19th April.
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