General Education (A2) : General Education (A2) Ministry of Education and Science
2004
National policy on teacher training, qualification and professional development issues (1) : National policy on teacher training, qualification and professional development issues (1) for the assurance of education quality, specific requirements have been stipulated for teacher training and qualifications
(Regulations No.347 of October 3, 2000 issued by the Cabinet of Ministers - “Regulations On the Requirements for Teacher Training and Professional Qualifications”)
beginning from September 1, 2004, a teacher shall have a higher education degree, relevant qualification and in-service training background in compliance with the procedure set by MoES (in-service training courses of 36 hours in a 3 year period)
National policy on teacher training, qualification and professional development issues (2) : National policy on teacher training, qualification and professional development issues (2)
development of occupational standard for teachers
9 state higher education institutions provide full time professional teacher training programmes
till the end of 2003, 114 higher professional education teacher training programmes were being provided (AIKNC data)
Education profile of teaching staff working in full time general education institutions : Education profile of teaching staff working in full time general education institutions Data source: MoES Statistics Department, 2002
Age profile of teaching staff (%) in the school year of 2001/02 : Age profile of teaching staff (%) in the school year of 2001/02 Data source: MoES GED, 2002
National policy on teacher training, qualification and professional development issues (3) : National policy on teacher training, qualification and professional development issues (3)
the procedure of teacher professional development has been devised, which stipulates the requirements for the content of in-service training programmes, their implementation and issuance of documents certifying the acquired in-service training
priorities in teacher in-service training are identified for each calendar year
National policy on teacher training, qualification and professional development issues (4) : National policy on teacher training, qualification and professional development issues (4) support measures are provided for teachers to acquire relevant education
3700 teachers have upgraded their professional skills in the year 2002 and 4550 teachers in the year 2003 in the in-service training programmes financed from the national budget (Ls 102305)
in the year 2003, the training of teacher in-service trainers for performing their professional activities has commenced
in the year 2004, 92 teacher in-service trainers are providing teacher in-service training programmes
National policy on teacher training, qualification and professional development issues (5) : National policy on teacher training, qualification and professional development issues (5) Teacher In-service Training Fund has been established, from where the reimbursement of tuition fees are allocated to teachers who have decided to acquire a second specialization
2761 teachers received the reimbursement of tuition fees in 2001
2100 teachers received the reimbursement of tuition fees in 2002
3067 teachers received the reimbursement of tuition fees in 2003
only 940 teachers received the reimbursement of tuition fees in 2004, because of the reduced allocated funding to the Fund
The establishment of teacher in-service trainers’ data base has been commenced
Support measures for raising the prestige of teacher profession (1) : Support measures for raising the prestige of teacher profession (1)
Reform of teacher salaries
since 2000, the salaries of teachers, heads of education institutions and their deputies have been increased on regular basis
The increase of teacher salary per one work load (in Ls) from 2000 till 2003 : The increase of teacher salary per one work load (in Ls) from 2000 till 2003 Information source: MoES GED, 2002
Teacher salaries compared to the GDP per inhabitant (in %) : Teacher salaries compared to the GDP per inhabitant (in %) Eurydice, 2002
Data presented in the forum of Latvian education leaders and teachers ‘My school in the EU’, 2004
Correlation between the average work load and average salary of the teaching of general education schools : Correlation between the average work load and average salary of the teaching of general education schools Eurydice,, 2002
Data presented in the forum of Latvian education leaders and teachers ‘My school in the EU’, 2004
Ratio between job seekers and economically active population (in %) : Ratio between job seekers and economically active population (in %) Main indicators of labour force survey. Riga, 2001
Data presented in the forum of Latvian education leaders and teachers ‘My school in the EU’, 2004
Support measures for raising the prestige of teacher profession (2) : Support measures for raising the prestige of teacher profession (2)
Crediting and credit paying-off system for students
since 2001, a credit paying-off has been commenced for teachers, who have started to work in schools after the completion of teacher training programmes
in 2001, the credit paying-off possibilities have been provided for 125 teachers
in 2002, the credit paying-off possibilities have been provided for 165 teachers (20 of them are in the institutions of special education)
in 2003, the credit paying-off possibilities have been provided for 133 teachers (20 of them are in the institutions of special education)
The support from MoES for ensuring the functioning of education institutions (1) : The support from MoES for ensuring the functioning of education institutions (1)
World Bank Education Improvement Project
Latvian Education Computerization System Project
Education Innovation Fund
Investment Project
National Programme for Latvian Language Training
The support from MoES for ensuring the functioning of education institutions (2) : The support from MoES for ensuring the functioning of education institutions (2)
Teacher In-service Training Support Fund
European Union Structural Funds
grants for text book procurement
grants for organizing in-service training courses (activities)
Education Improvement Project (EIP) : Education Improvement Project (EIP)
commenced its activities in 2000, following the agreement achieved by and between the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and Ministry of Education and Science
project aim
to raise the capacity of Latvian education system in facilitating constant improvement of learning outcomes, by strengthening the management of resources and learning process
Areas of activities of Education Improvement Project (EIP) : Areas of activities of Education Improvement Project (EIP) 1) education quality subprogramme –
development of education system instruments, improvement of teaching and learning possibilities, expanding the access to high quality education
2) cost efficiency subprogramme –
renovation of education institutions, upgrading the quality of Education Boards
Components of EIP Quality Subprogramme : Components of EIP Quality Subprogramme
Subject Standards Component
Students’ Achievements Assessment Component
School Self-evaluation Component
Education Management Efficiency Component
Communications Component
Subject Standards Component : Subject Standards Component Areas of activity
development of an optimal implementation procedure for subject standards
trailing in practice (piloting) of the development and implementation strategies of subject standards (for Mother Tongue, Latvian for the schools of ethnic minorities, Social Studies)
development of support materials – teaching/ learning programmes, methodological guidelines for teachers, requirements for teacher qualifications – for Mother Tongue, Latvian for the schools of ethnic minorities, Social Studies
Students’ Achievements Assessment Component : Students’ Achievements Assessment Component Areas of activity
improvement of assessment system for the students involved in general basic education
devising of valid and reliable examinations (in Latvian language for grade 9, Latvian language for grade 9 in the schools of ethnic minorities)
use of obtained examination results for the revision of subject standards and teaching/ learning programmes
School Self-evaluation Component : School Self-evaluation Component Areas of activity
development of single methodology for evaluating school’s work and development planning
“School Evaluation and Development Planning. Manual” (2002),
includes the description of self-evaluation and development planning processes, a set of devised criteria (curriculum, students’ achievements, teaching and learning, school environment, resources, organization of school’s work, management and quality assurance) for the assessment of school’s work
Education Management Efficiency Component : Education Management Efficiency Component Areas of activity
capacity building for analysing education management policy, economy, finances and statistics, and policy research planning
provision of technical assistance for the assessment and development of an efficient and valid education management and communications system
Communications Component : Communications Component Areas of activity
raising general public awareness of what is happening in education and involvement of public in education reform process
information communication to various stakeholders in education, by organizing different activities and developing multiple informative materials
implementation of communications programme for cooperation with media of different types and target audiences
Latvian Education Computerization System Project (LIIS) : Latvian Education Computerization System Project (LIIS) commenced its activities in 1997
comprises
computerization of infrastructure
computerization of curriculum
training of people working in education system and teachers
computerization of management functions
computerization of information service
Results of Latvian Education Computerization System (LIIS) Activities (1) : Results of Latvian Education Computerization System (LIIS) Activities (1) In the time period from 1999 till 2003
extensive infrastructure computerization of general education schools has taken place in Latvia, by equipping computer classrooms in all secondary schools and basic schools, 81% night (part time) secondary schools, 62% special education institutions
the provision of Internet access for education institutions has increased (in 2002, Internet access has been provided to 97% of education institutions, and still only 44% of them use fixed Internet connection)
Quantitative indicators of the provision of education institutions with computers (1) : Quantitative indicators of the provision of education institutions with computers (1)
in 1999, education institutions have been provided with 1732 computers, 18 servers, 817 printers and other computer equipment, as well as relevant software and licenses
in 2000, 2001 computers, 31 servers, 181 printers, 20 CD recorders, 94 scanners, 15 video projectors have been supplied for the infrastructure of education institutions, as well as 27 new Internet connections
Quantitative indicators of the provision of education institutions with computers (2) : Quantitative indicators of the provision of education institutions with computers (2)
in 2001, education institutions have received 2398 computers and 72 servers, as well as 208 schools have obtained direct access to Internet
in 2002, education institutions have received additional 3766 computers (including servers)
in 2003, education institutions have received 890 computers and software licenses, and 10 Internet connections
Changes in the ratio students – per one computer : Changes in the ratio students – per one computer Information source: Latvian Education Computerisation System Project 2002
2001
1997
Results of Latvian Education Computerization System (LIIS) Activities (2) : Results of Latvian Education Computerization System (LIIS) Activities (2)
665 teachers of Latvia have taken part in the IT courses of Latvian Education Computerization System
in 2002, 2546 teachers (staff members) of education institutions of different levels have received training in the computer courses of Latvian Education Computerization System
distance learning course “Basic Computer Sciences” has been developed
Results of Latvian Education Computerization System (LIIS) Activities (3) : Results of Latvian Education Computerization System (LIIS) Activities (3)
the implementation of information acquisition strategy has been commenced, which provides the compliance with the requirements for obtaining ECDL (European Computer Drivers License)
teachers, who have completed all 7 ECDL modules, are entitled to teach informatics in basic education institutions
Results of Latvian Education Computerization System (LIIS) Activities (4) : Results of Latvian Education Computerization System (LIIS) Activities (4) 39 regional computer centres have been established in 1999
a portfolio of teaching aids and methodological materials in the volume of 21 000 pages has been developed in 2002
the use of teaching aids in the volume of 92 000 pages (electronic teaching resources for acquiring different subject areas, interactive software, tests, web pages etc.) can provide for approximately 20% of the time from the total teaching and learning process.
Costs of Latvian Education Computerization System (thousand Ls) for general education from 1997 till 2003 : Costs of Latvian Education Computerization System (thousand Ls) for general education from 1997 till 2003 Information source: Latvian Education Computerisation System Project, 2002
National Programme for Latvian Language Training (LVAVP) : National Programme for Latvian Language Training (LVAVP)
this organization was founded in 1996 in order to provide the implementation of various educational activities for acquiring modern Latvian language as a second language
aim of their activities
consolidation of the society in Latvia by minimizing the language gap and encouraging awareness of common values
Financing for National Programme for Latvian Language Training (LVAVP) : Financing for National Programme for Latvian Language Training (LVAVP)
for achieving the targets of this programme, funding has been allocated from
Latvia’s national budget (the allocated money constitutes 40% of the total annual budget of the programme),
governments of eight donor countries – Finland, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, United Kingdom, USA,
UNDP (United Nations Development programme) (in total 4,5 millions Lats have been allocated)
Areas of Activity of National Programme for Latvian Language Training (LVAVP) : Areas of Activity of National Programme for Latvian Language Training (LVAVP)
development of teaching and learning methodology for Latvian as a second language
preparation of qualified teachers
publishing of modern and broadly accessible teaching and learning aids
educating potential clients of education (parents etc.)
Teacher In-service Training Support Fund (1) : Teacher In-service Training Support Fund (1)
an organization established in 1995, and its priority is to promote teacher in-service training
main objectives
to encourage the acquisition of teacher training and development of professional skills
to foster the development of theoretical and practical experience in compliance with modern educational theories, and its implementation in schools
Teacher In-service Training Support Fund (2) : Teacher In-service Training Support Fund (2)
every year, within the framework of this Fund
in compliance with the national education priorities, the priority programmes are identified, the students of which will receive reimbursement for their tuition fees
funds disposition programme is devised in line with the allocated national budget financing
working teachers receive partial reimbursement for studying in state recognized professional teacher training programmes
State budget funding (in Ls) per student for purchasing text books : State budget funding (in Ls) per student for purchasing text books Information source: MoES GED, 2002
European Union Structural Funds (2004 – 2006) : European Union Structural Funds (2004 – 2006) It has been envisaged to attract the following funds from EU Structural Funds for modernizing the development of education and in-service training
European Regional Development Fund
Priority in Latvia – facilitation of balanced development (including the support for developing the infrastructure of vocational and higher education institutions)
European Social Fund
Priority in Latvia – facilitation of human resource development and employment (including the support for modernizing general education, higher professional education and lifelong learning systems)
Priority “Facilitation of Balanced Development” : Priority “Facilitation of Balanced Development” Included activity
“Development Of Education, Health And Social Infrastructure”
Common aim
to facilitate productive attraction of investments,
upgrading of infrastructure and
development of a single market
Co-financing from European Regional Development Fund
Priorities of the activity “Development of Education, Health and Social Infrastructure” in general education : Priorities of the activity “Development of Education, Health and Social Infrastructure” in general education Development of information and communication technologies
support for the development of national level information system (including information on education) accessible for public
support for the development of public Internet access stations (including education institutions)
Priority “Facilitation of Human Resource Development And Employment” : Priority “Facilitation of Human Resource Development And Employment” Included activities
“Development of Education and In-service Training”
“Reduction of Social Exclusion”
Common aim
to accelerate the modernization of pre-service (including general) education, higher professional education and lifelong learning system, by radically improving the background for acquiring modern knowledge and qualifications, especially in the areas that are vital for the economic development and knowledge society
Co-financing from European Social Fund
Priorities of the activity “Development of Education and In-service Training” in general education (1) : Priorities of the activity “Development of Education and In-service Training” in general education (1)
education quality upgrading in the subjects of sciences, technologies and mathematics in general secondary education
development of in-service training networking and capacity strengthening, development and introduction of in-service training courses and modules, development of lifelong learning policy
Priorities of the activity “Development of Education and In-service Training” in general education (2) : Priorities of the activity “Development of Education and In-service Training” in general education (2)
support to the professional development of teaching staff of education institutions
development of career education and career guidance activities in general education institutions
Priorities of the activity “Reduction of Social Exclusion” in general education : Priorities of the activity “Reduction of Social Exclusion” in general education
development and implementation of pedagogic correction and reconciliation programmes and courses
integration of young people with special needs in general mainstream education system
Hobby Education (1) : Hobby Education (1)
education, hobby education is an education in addition to general basic education and general secondary process, in the result of which the individual needs and wishes for education are met
for entering a programme, there are no requirements for education that are equivalent to a specific level of education
it is provided irrespective of age group (up to the age of 25) in state, municipal and private education institutions and public organizations
Hobby Education (2) : Hobby Education (2) in the school year of 2002/03, the following hobby education programmes have been provided
culture education programmes – art of dancing, music, visual arts and applied arts (159044 students involved)
environment education programmes (11896 students involved)
youth work programmes (9212 students involved)
technical creativity programmes (18024 students involved)
sports education programmes (40045 students involved)
Information source: State Youth Initiative Centre
Hobby Education (3) : Hobby Education (3)
in the school year of 2002/03, hobby education programmes were provided in 61 hobby education institutions, involving 66240 students and 2116 teachers
in the school year of 2002/03, in general education institutions 177525 students out of 325503 students participated in hobby education programmes
Information source: State Youth Initiative Centre
State financial support to hobby education : State financial support to hobby education
earmarked funding for the salaries of teachers working in hobby education
earmarked funding for the salaries of teachers working in sports education programmes
earmarked funding for partial job compensation of teachers working in municipal professional training programmes in music and arts