Armenia to implement major education reforms
16.09.2020,
17:08
Major reforms are expected in the education system of Armenia, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Arayik Harutyunyan said at a press conference on Wednesday.
YEREVAN, September 16. /ARKA/. Major reforms are expected in the education system of Armenia, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Arayik Harutyunyan said at a press conference on Wednesday.
He said state criteria designed for the general education were put into circulation last year and are expected to come into force after being signed by the government. He said the ministry has received more than 2000 proposals after placing the criteria on an electronic platform for public discussions. He said the discussions involved more than 6,000 school teachers.
He said changes designed for higher education provide for the necessary foundations for cooperation between universities and research institutes with the gradual integration of educational institutions, the possibility of independent activity for scientific organizations, the creation of scientific consortia and networks, as well as legal foundations for involving research institutes in the structure of universities. In addition, postgraduate programs will be brought in line with European standards.
Harutyunyan noted that teachers sent to work in border and high-mountain regions will have their salaries raised by 30% and will also receive bigger amounts to rent a home. They will also receive utility, transportation and other compensations. The new procedure will enter into force from January 2021.
"Some 60 preschool institutions were opened in two years across the country as part of a plan to involve 70% of children aged 3-6 by 2023," Harutyunyan said.
He also said that the construction of 22 small schools will start next month and end next year and construction of another 15 new small schools are scheduled to kick off in 2021.
According to him, such figures are unprecedented for the past 30 years. In 2016, some 976 million drams were allocated for the construction of schools, in 2017 - 1.39 billion drams, in 2018- 1.1 billion drams, in 2019 - 1.42 billion drams and in 2020 - 1.91 billion drams. –0--
He said state criteria designed for the general education were put into circulation last year and are expected to come into force after being signed by the government. He said the ministry has received more than 2000 proposals after placing the criteria on an electronic platform for public discussions. He said the discussions involved more than 6,000 school teachers.
He said changes designed for higher education provide for the necessary foundations for cooperation between universities and research institutes with the gradual integration of educational institutions, the possibility of independent activity for scientific organizations, the creation of scientific consortia and networks, as well as legal foundations for involving research institutes in the structure of universities. In addition, postgraduate programs will be brought in line with European standards.
Harutyunyan noted that teachers sent to work in border and high-mountain regions will have their salaries raised by 30% and will also receive bigger amounts to rent a home. They will also receive utility, transportation and other compensations. The new procedure will enter into force from January 2021.
"Some 60 preschool institutions were opened in two years across the country as part of a plan to involve 70% of children aged 3-6 by 2023," Harutyunyan said.
He also said that the construction of 22 small schools will start next month and end next year and construction of another 15 new small schools are scheduled to kick off in 2021.
According to him, such figures are unprecedented for the past 30 years. In 2016, some 976 million drams were allocated for the construction of schools, in 2017 - 1.39 billion drams, in 2018- 1.1 billion drams, in 2019 - 1.42 billion drams and in 2020 - 1.91 billion drams. –0--
