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G. Nausėda affirmed that this school year will be different, it will not be possible to forget the coronavirus during them.
“I understand that we are entering a new territory, a new period, which will be marked with a coronavirus. It will be necessary to demonstrate creativity, innovation, seek these solutions in each specific situation ”, he said.
“In thanking professional teachers, we cannot ignore what is wrong with the system. It still has many fundamental shortcomings that prevent better educational outcomes. Unfortunately, we have not been reflected in various international studies so far, to put it mildly.” said G. Nausėda.
He said that in the near future the presidency will present a package of proposals to change the educational system.
“On that occasion, we intend to approach the Seimas with certain initiatives very soon. Because they are related to the improvement of the legal framework. To summarize, I would call them “equal starting opportunities, for all students, no matter where they were born, where they go to school, in which families they live,” he explained.
The current idea, according to the head of the country, will be divided into two parts.
“It should be divided into two parts: first, reducing the age limit for preschool and primary education by one year. I think this initiative makes sense and is necessary because several studies show that the earlier children receive preschool education, the better they integrate. their peer groups, the more receptive they are to knowledge. The better they do in secondary school. Another initiative is related to the fact that children who grow up in families at social risk, unfortunately, are not able to fully use preschool education ”, The Head of State motivated his proposal.
G. Nausėda stated that if the school age in Lithuania was advanced to 6 years and the preschool age to 5 years, the system should offer flexibility so that children who integrate more slowly could start school at 7 years after have spent two years in preschool education.
According to statistics, in 2019. In Lithuania, more than 4440 children grew up in preschool risk families, of which about 36 percent. they are not educated according to the preschool education program. G. Nausėda suggests that children in these families be fully reimbursed for preschool education, including meals and transportation services. This is estimated to require around 9 million. by year.
“This is an amount that our state budget could absorb,” he said.
President G. Nausėda stated that he would propose to make preschool education compulsory for children from families at social risk
The head of state also mentioned inclusive education as a problem area.
Speaking about him, G. Nausėda considered that the visions of well-being do not correspond to the fact that children with special needs grow up segregated as in ghettos, where they do not receive the services that they could receive in general schools. According to him, there are signs that schools cannot accept children with special needs in terms of infrastructure and social services. In order to adapt the system by 2024, an additional 6 thousand. positions of special pedagogues, teaching assistants. That would cost $ 35 million. by year.
“Such a system would be fairer and we should all move towards it,” the head of state motivated his proposal.
Another area discussed is higher education.
“It is true that poor results in math tests and poor knowledge of other subjects mean that students come unprepared, undecided and have not found a vocation,” said G. Nausėda.
However, according to him, the second part of this problem is that science is disconnected from real activities, from business, not always able to quickly reorient itself according to needs. The presidency will aim for 0.9% of R&D (research and experimental development) to be spent on R&D. GDP (of which 0.3 from the budget) would at least double.
Mr. Nausėda also spoke about the fact that although there is much talk about the prestige of the teacher, for it to really be, specific financial, legal and other measures are also needed. According to the president, almost 900 students are admitted to the fields of study of the educational professions this year, or about twice as many as a year ago. “The most important thing now is that those who have chosen educational professions want to dedicate their life to that activity after graduation,” he said.
Speaking of the preparations for September 1 in the context of the coronavirus crisis. G. Nausėda did not hide that not everything was done correctly. “I am convinced that any regulation, if it applies to a sector as broad as education, should have been announced much earlier. And now we have doubts about whether walking with a mask is mandatory or only recommended, ”said the president, adding that the school year basically begins normally and tougher measures will be taken if necessary and will be with specific areas, fireplaces.
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