Estonian-language school environment
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, information briefing
Date: 2024-06-12 15:26
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 11
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 13m
AI Summaries: 11/11 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The discussion of the third question centered on the creation of an Estonian-language school environment and the associated challenges within the sector overseen by Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas. Riigikogu member Tõnis Lukas raised issues concerning the necessity of an Estonian-language school environment, the assessment of language proficiency prior to placement in an Estonian-language school or kindergarten group, and the role of special support in integrated language and subject learning. The debate emphasized the need to consistently implement Estonian-language instruction, starting this autumn, and to seek solutions that would guarantee the early assessment of students' language skills, ensuring that the composition of the class is not fragmented into separate groups due to a lack of language proficiency.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made; the discussion centered on the transition to Estonian-language instruction, the assessment of language proficiency, the need for special support, and the organization of schools. Further steps and clarifications regarding funding must be coordinated with the Ministry of Education and Research and local school administrators.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Tõnis Lukas (pid I1YVn0lsltI). As a member of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) and a representative of the Isamaa party, he belongs to the right-wing political orientation; his presentation focused primarily on the priority of advancing Estonian-language education and the school process, emphasizing the assessment of language proficiency and the need for special support.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Today, as the third question, Riigikogu member Tõnis Lukas will address the Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, regarding the Estonian-language school environment.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Discussing the fact that Estonian is the official state language of Estonia and that the education system must create an Estonian-language environment, Tõnis Lukas announced the transition to Estonian-language instruction beginning this autumn. He simultaneously stressed that before placing children from a Russian-speaking background into an Estonian school or kindergarten, their Estonian language skills must be carefully assessed. This is necessary to prevent students who lack proficiency from becoming isolated and to avoid the learning environment itself turning Russian-speaking.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar noted that Tõnis Lukas had exceeded his time limit by 30 seconds. However, given the small number of questions we have today, no official remark was made, and the floor was now offered to the Madam Minister.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
To ensure the successful transition to Estonian-language instruction, Russian-speaking children must be provided with integrated content and language learning (CLIL) and, where necessary, separate Estonian language support or specialized instruction, which must be financed, because acquiring the language of instruction and achieving academic progress takes three to four years.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar thanks [them] and asks Tõnis Lukas to pose a clarifying question.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She emphasizes that to ensure the sustainability of Estonian-language schools, compliance with the directive must be checked and methodological segregation must be avoided, and that the transition to Estonian-language education is crucial for the Estonian language and society, while simultaneously asking Ida-Virumaa whether Lüganuse School and Toila School will remain Estonian-language, and what signals parents are receiving.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Kristina Kallas emphasized that the draft Basic Education Act must not differentiate children based on language or ethnic background, and Estonian-language education must be accessible to everyone living in Estonia. Lüganuse School will remain, and students at Kiviõli State School will be divided into study groups according to their language proficiency. In these groups, native Estonian-speaking children will study Estonian as their mother tongue, while Russian-speaking children who do not yet master Estonian will learn the second language and subjects using integrated methods within the framework of early language immersion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked a follow-up question and called upon Tõnis Lukas's desk mate, Riina Solman, to pose a question.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman emphasized that the continuation of Estonian-language schools in Ida-Virumaa is vital to curb the shift towards becoming Russian-speaking and the growth of Russian influence. She also questioned why the Toila school should be closed down when local residents and parents wish the school to continue, noting that it is the last stronghold of Estonian identity in the region.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Toila School will remain, and starting in 2026, it will operate as a basic school, utilizing a new school building constructed through cooperation between the state and Toila Municipality. However, the upper secondary school section (gymnasium) will be closed due to the low number of students. Furthermore, Estonian-language upper secondary education is available throughout Ida-Viru County in all state gymnasiums. For instance, Jõhvi State Gymnasium is one of the most Estonian-minded and Estonian-language educational institutions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that the procedure had been slightly changed, and the minister clarified the answer given to Riina Solman’s question. Since there were few people asking questions, there was time during the information hour, and he promised to introduce a bit more of a debate format, concluding the handling of today’s third question.