Transition to Estonian-language education
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing
Date: 2024-03-06 14:44
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 fourth topic during the Riigikogu question hour centered on questions directed at the Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, concerning the transition to Estonian-language instruction. The questions were posed by Riigikogu member Vadim Belobrovtsev, who highlighted two primary concerns: the transition of children with special educational needs (SEN/HEV) and the critical teacher shortage.
Belobrovtsev voiced concern on behalf of the parents of SEN children, who are confused regarding the development of individualized procedures for transitioning to Estonian-language instruction. He referenced the absence of the promised commission and instances where Rajaleidja (the guidance center) has allegedly disregarded doctors' recommendations for children to study solely in their mother tongue. Minister Kallas clarified that four SEN schools where Russian is the language of instruction are being addressed by separate teams, rather than a formal commission, and their action plans must be finalized by March 31st. For other SEN children, decisions are made individually, and any conflict between the opinions of Rajaleidja and a doctor should be resolved by the school operator, meaning the local municipality. The second significant issue addressed was the teacher shortage, noting that 1,800 teachers currently do not meet the required language proficiency standards. Minister Kallas stressed that Estonian-language instruction cannot be delivered by someone who doesn't speak Estonian, and urged everyone to focus on finding solutions and changing attitudes to ensure the reform's success.
Decisions Made 1
No official legislative or executive decisions were made within the scope of the issues addressed. The Minister provided clarification and guidance regarding the implementation of the existing policy.
Most Active Speaker
The most active politician identified was Riigikogu member Vadim Belobrovtsev (Centre Party, opposition), who submitted both the initial question and a detailed clarifying follow-up question. His activity was aimed at highlighting critical bottlenecks in the implementation of the Ministry of Education and Research’s policy (children with special educational needs (SEN) and teacher shortage) during the transition to Estonian-language education.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riigikogu member Vadim Belobrovtsev is asking the Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, about the transition to Estonian-language education.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev is asking the minister how the transition of children with special educational needs (SEN/HEV) to Estonian-language instruction will be organized, why the commission promised two months ago has not been established, and how the assessments provided by parents, the Rajaleidja guidance center, and doctors should proceed in such situations.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas said that four schools in Estonia for students with special needs where the language of instruction is Russian (Lasnamäe Basic School and Kadaka Basic School in Tallinn, Narva Paju School, and Ahtme School) will form separate teams to draw up agreed action plans with each school for the transition to Estonian-language instruction. These plans must be ready by March 31st, while decisions concerning the remaining children with special needs will be made individually.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks [them] and asks Vadim Belobrovtsev to present a clarifying question.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presentation highlights two key concerns: what parents should do when a doctor's opinion is disregarded, and how to keep moving forward at the pace of reform without failing, despite the growing teacher shortage.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Education and Science Minister Kristina Kallas stated that every individual case will be resolved at the level of the local authority or school operator. If necessary, contact should be made with the Ministry of Education through the school operator (parents should not contact the ministry directly). Furthermore, issues regarding teachers' language proficiency must be addressed by focusing on Estonian-language instruction. She added that by September 1st, the people teaching the first and fourth grades must be individuals who speak Estonian and possess the necessary pedagogical competencies.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests silence and calm seating from the guests in the galleries, and announces that there will now be a supplementary question for Mart Helme.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme raised the question of keeping Metsküla school open, stressing that the local municipality is the school's maintainer and that both the children and the parents' desire for the school to continue are present. He then asked whether this remains an issue and if the matter would be brought before the government to find a positive resolution.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Thank you very much, but this does not relate to the current topic, "Transition to Estonian-language education"; if the Minister of Education wishes to respond, please.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Kristina Kallas emphasized that young children must attend a school close to home, and although Metsküla School is involved in a legal dispute, the state cannot nationalize the property, and the solution is a private school maintained by the community with state support.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concludes the consideration of today's fourth item.