The Verkhovna Rada adopted the new Law of Ukraine "On Education" in the second reading. On Tuesday, September 5, 255 people's deputies voted for the relevant decision. Sharp discussions among deputies caused the issue of introduction of 12-year education, the issue of the language of education, mandatory certification of teachers, etc.
The reform of school education directly affects the interests of several million people, including teachers, schoolchildren and their parents.
The debate about the law lasted more than three years. The government and the Ministry of Education have repeatedly stated that school reform is one of the main priorities of the state.
According to the Minister of Education Lilia Hrynevych, education remains almost the only sphere in Ukraine that is stuck in the Soviet past with its methods of personality formation, the factory principle "everyone should be the same" and the knowledge approach - when children are bombarded with a ton of information, forced to learn it, but they do not explain how to use it and why it is needed.
The authors of the adopted law emphasize that the document creates opportunities for the development of competence training. In particular, the law lays down key competences and cross-cutting skills that a student should possess after finishing school. Among them are fluency in the state language, mathematical, general cultural and environmental competence, entrepreneurship, innovativeness, economic competence, etc.
The new law includes a new system of motivation and professional development of teachers. In particular, the document provides for a system of voluntary external independent certification of teachers. It is planned that it will be a test of teachers for mastery of the subject, the ability to communicate with children and the use of modern methods of competence training. Teachers who successfully pass the certification will receive 20% salary increments.
The methods of professional development for teachers will also be expanded. The law allows teachers to choose the place and form of professional development, which can be obtained at trainings, specialized institutions and other educational institutions.
The total number of hours for teacher training over 5 years cannot be less than 150 hours. The teacher must decide when and where to receive professional development.
The law completely eliminates the certification of schools. Inspections in district education departments are also being eliminated. It is assumed that consulting services for those who need them will be provided by methodical offices.
Instead, the State Education Quality Service will ensure the quality of education. At the same time, the authors of the new law note that the main goal of the quality service will not be sanctions, but recommendations.
The law provides for the creation of real school autonomy, a different management system and financial transparency. According to the document, the directors will be elected by competition. The law provides that directors will be able to appoint their deputies and teaching staff.
The new law "On Education" also stipulates that each educational institution must publish information on the receipt of all funds, as well as their purpose. This will contribute to the fact that parents will see how much and what the state spends money on, and will also be able to control the use of their charitable contributions.
The new law includes many other innovations both in the system of general secondary education and at all other levels - from preschool to adult education.
