Changes planned by the government: it is proposed to allow children from disadvantaged families to study remotely in schools

This is relevant for children living in families that do not have sufficient resources, social skills or motives to create adequate educational conditions for children at home.

The children would continue to learn at a distance, but while they are in school. Municipal administrations would ensure that children who do not have access to education at home or who for other reasons need other assistance receive distance education, care and meals in educational institutions.

In the case of distance education at school, it will be necessary to comply with the conditions for managing the flow of people, compliance with the safety distance and other necessary conditions set out in the Emergency Operations Manual at the state level.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport has already included this measure in the next aid package to compensate for the learning losses suffered during the pandemic.

The Ministry conducted a survey of students in general education schools (with the exception of target group institutions of special schools, adult schools, hospitals and sanitariums). During it, it turned out that about 25 thousand. students need support for learning: additional counseling, provision of computer equipment, provision of Internet connection, strengthening of motivation. About half of these students receive free meals and families often receive social support.

Half of these students need additional advice in a variety of subjects. About the same number of children have problems with their computer equipment and / or the Internet connection. A quarter of these students have no motivation to study and the parents of every ten children do not interact with the school at all.

If the government approves the experts’ proposal, the amendment will go into effect on January 20.

Currently, education for students participating in general education programs is organized remotely, except for: students educated in special schools and special classes in general education schools; students in initial vocational training in conjunction with a social skills program; children from primary education programs for whom municipal administrations provide distance education, care and meals for children in institutions, when parents, adoptive parents, guardians, representatives are required by law to perform job functions (work) in the workplace and they cannot provide child care in the home.