On Tuesday, 20 September, Latvian Saeima’s Education, Culture and Science Committee concluded discussions in regards to the transition to education only in Latvian language, approving in the last reading amendments to the Education Law and General Education Law.
During the meeting opinions were voiced to postpone the transition to education in official language only until a later date and instead extend the general transition process. For example, Saeima deputy Igors Pimenovs said extension of the transition period would make it easier for national minority families.
Riga City Council deputy Inna Djeri stressed that by postponing transition to education in official language only it would be possible to teach Latvian language mode intensely at national minority schools, which would make the transition more gradual and simpler for children.
Additionally, the transition period would provide an opportunity for national minority families to consider leaving Latvia, because, according to Djeri, the objective of this law is «assimilate or leave».
The committee rejected the proposal to postpone the transition process for three years. Amendments were submitted for review to the parliament in the third reading.
Amendments to the two aforementioned laws provide for a consequent transition to education only in official language at general education kindergartens and primary education level to promote successful introduction of education content and a new teaching approach at all Latvian education institutions.
The current language teaching approach at national minority education programmes has not provided a quality acquisition of the official language at all stages of education, according to authors of the legislative draft and Ministry of Education and Science. Insufficient knowledge of the official language may limit integration into Latvian society and impede creation of a successful career.
In order to ensure national minority language and culture is taught and for Latvia to thereby comply with its own Constitution and international obligations, amendments provide the option for national minority children to study national minority language, culture and history as part of optional education programmes. Funding for these programmes will come from the state and local governments.
Amendments provide for delegating to the Cabinet of Ministers the duty to develop a draft for national minority language, culture and history education programme and implementation guidelines.
The regulations listed in the legislative draft state that from 1 September 2023 onward general education programmes are to be taught in Latvian language only in 1st, 4th and 7th grade, from 1 September 2024 onward – in 2nd, 5th and 8th grade, and from 1 September 2025 onward – in 3rd, 6th and 9th grade.
Kindergarten education programmes are to switch to Latvian language only starting with 1 September 2023.
Amendments are also intended to improve regulations in regards to the language skills of principals and teachers of education institutions.