Giorgi Amilakhvari, the candidate for the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, discussed ongoing and planned projects for general education during a committee hearing in Parliament.
Giorgi Amilakhvari highlighted that, according to the updated document outlining national goals for general education, a primary focus is placed on fostering national values, identity, civic awareness, and universal values among students. The ministerial candidate emphasized the priority of significantly enhancing the quality of general education through evidence-based approaches, aligning the system with international standards, and attracting young, qualified personnel.
Moreover Giorgi Amilakhvari outlined the steps to be taken to improve the quality of general education and discussed future plans. He stated, "Efforts will continue to decentralize the system, increase school autonomy, and establish robust mechanisms to support schools. Public schools will adhere to updated standards and procedures for quality assurance in general education."
He also mentioned plans to develop a new, high-standard national curriculum and learning resources, introduce a new concept for secondary education, implement a comprehensive school evaluation system, and further develop electronic resources. Additionally, efforts to update textbooks and create new ones will continue, alongside the initiation of a new model for transitioning from secondary school to higher education.
In terms of supporting ethnic minorities, bilingual education will be introduced in all non-Georgian speaking public schools to strengthen the teaching and learning of both their native language and the state language.
Regarding the promotion of the Georgian diaspora abroad, Amilakhvari stated, "We will actively continue to offer various distance learning courses in the Georgian language."
To ensure an equitable and safe school environment, Amilakhvari focused on the activities of the educational institution's mandatory services. He mentioned the creation of a coordinating unit for inclusive education services and the transformation of the multidisciplinary team into a psycho-educational needs assessment and counseling team. Additionally, measures to enhance safety and order in schools, including the implementation of restorative justice approaches and the use of school mediation, will be prioritized.