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“Rational decisions are left to the Ministries of Education so that founders and communities can decide to what extent they will apply distance and blended learning. This is the competence of the Minister of Education, Science and Sports. That issue cannot be discussed in the government, ”S. Skvernelis said at a press conference after the government meeting on Wednesday.
“We are discussing COVID-19. On Monday, we will probably return to that topic as well, and we will see how the situation changes. Possible option and change of vacation period, extension. You may also need to switch to telecommuting before vacation. We need to hear the opinion of epidemiologists about the extent to which blended and distance learning should be applied, “said S. Skvernelis.
According to S. Skvernelis, final decisions regarding museums, galleries and excursions should be made next week; previously, the Government allowed them to operate accommodating no more than two people and guaranteeing other security requirements. However, this procedure will take effect on December 10.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Sports said on Wednesday that the winter holidays for students, despite the coronavirus situation, will not be brought forward and there is no proposal to introduce universal distance education.
According to her, the decision on the duration of the leave was made after the analysis of the situation in educational institutions carried out together with epidemiologists. “The students will go on Christmas vacation on December 23 and end their vacation on January 5,” the ministry said in a statement.
Photo by Sigismund Gedvila / 15min / Algirdas Monkevičius
The outgoing Minister of Education, Algirdas Monkevičius, states that the decision not to propose the introduction of universal distance education was made after consulting with school directors, directors of associations connecting institutions of pre-school, primary and basic education and gymnasiums , the board of directors of municipal education and parents.
“Most say there is no need for universal distance learning,” Monkevičius said in the report.
According to him, distance education in individual municipalities can be introduced even now by decision of the director of the municipal administration and with the approval of the National Center for Public Health. The decision can also be made by the school.
The ministry also notes that about 75 percent. schools advocate a contact or mixed approach. According to the ministry, currently 57 percent. General education schools operate in a mixed manner, that is, mainly long gymnasiums, 15 percent. offers regular lessons, mainly elementary schools, and 28%. schools are run remotely, that is, mostly four-year gyms.
Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga suggested an earlier leave for students due to the threat of the coronavirus. Some educator unions have called for the introduction of universal distance education.
At a press conference on Wednesday, he said he heard arguments from experts and the minister of education, science and sport that contact learning should not be abandoned because of the well-being and achievement of students.
Sigismund Gedvila / 15min photo / Aurelijus Veryga
“What I have heard from a colleague Minister of Education, Science and Sports, at least from the data they have been able to collect and achieve that disciplined adherence to order, as is the case today, ensures perhaps even less spread of the virus if all necessary Furthermore, experts constantly emphasize that it is necessary to take into account the possible consequences for the quality of education and the psycho-emotional development of children, “he said.
However, the minister did not rule out the possibility of an early departure.
“The only thing that we could probably think about, but has not been decided yet, is unless it is about bringing forward the Christmas holidays. But another ministry should also talk about that,” added A. Veryga.
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