By Plenary Sessions: Liina Kersna

The speaker demonstrates specific knowledge of the details of education sector funding, referencing concrete sums (18 million and 23.7 million euros) and the Ministry of Education and Research’s recent budget revision announcements from September 23rd.

The speaker exhibits profound expertise in the education sector, particularly concerning school lunch funding models, budgetary priorities, and relevant legislation. They utilize specific financial data (e.g., a 30 million euro expenditure, a 15% increase in higher education support) and are intimately familiar with legislative procedures (such as amending a regulation versus amending a statute/act). To substantiate their experience, they mention having visited and eaten meals at over 300 different schools during a 10-year period, effectively challenging assertions regarding the poor quality of the food.

The speaker demonstrates deep proficiency in educational legislation and school admissions protocols, referencing both scientific evidence regarding selection for the first grade and specific legal statutes concerning gymnasium entrance exams. They are capable of detailing the practical consequences stemming from non-compliance or deficiencies in the law (e.g., delayed confirmation letters and repeated interviews).

The speaker demonstrates expertise in cultural policy and media management, showing familiarity with the complex procedures governing the election of members to the national broadcasting council. He bases his argument on a detailed presentation of the experts' backgrounds and experience, drawing attention to specialists in both media (strategic communication) and senior management roles (theater director, chancellor, CEO of a major company).

The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the details of education policy, particularly concerning teacher qualifications, the career model, the certification of school leaders, and the substance of draft legislation. Concrete statistical data is utilized regarding the level of teacher qualification (for instance, 70% of starting teachers lack qualifications) and precise figures detailing state investments (millions of euros) into teacher training. Specific proposals from working groups and references to invited experts at committee sessions are also cited.

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the organization of research and development (R&D), funding structures, and the legislative process. They use technical terminology when describing the division of responsibilities between the Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (basic science vs. applied research). The establishment of a new framework for R&D ethics is also emphasized.

The speaker demonstrates expertise at the intersection of digital policy, artificial intelligence development, and legal education. Technical terminology is employed (e.g., "state-based model," "integrated curriculum"), and specific political decisions are cited, such as the increase in doctoral study places from 300 to 500. Furthermore, particular emphasis is placed on the necessity of developing an AI model controlled by the Estonian state itself for processing sensitive data.

The speaker demonstrates significant expertise in education policy, lifelong learning, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the educational process. They utilize extensive statistics and international comparisons (e.g., 43.5% of young people holding higher education degrees, 1% with a doctorate, and a €7 return on investment). The use of specific terminology, such as self-regulated learning and language models, points to profound domain knowledge.

The speaker demonstrates a deep understanding of media legislation, particularly the Estonian Public Broadcasting Act and the legal requirements imposed on board members (e.g., conflicts of interest). The speaker also possesses the authority to clarify the working procedures of the Riigikogu and committee processes (such as announcing a public competition and secret balloting). This expertise is further underscored by highlighting the long-term and diverse professional experience of the chosen candidates in the fields of communication and large-scale corporate management.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of cultural and language policy, particularly regarding the development of artificial intelligence. They employ technical terminology such as "discretionary power" and reference specific legislative processes and the work carried out by the Culture Committee. Quantitative goals for the development of the Estonian language corpus in the AI era are separately emphasized (an increase from 4 billion to 15 billion words).

The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the field of language technology, using terms such as "artificial intelligence" and "Estonian language corpus." They are familiar with specific numerical goals (doubling the corpus, 15 billion words), which points to prior knowledge of the subject and the ability to track the minister's promises.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of science and innovation-intensive economics and education statistics. Concrete international comparative data and numerical targets are used to support the arguments, referencing the percentages of doctoral degrees in Denmark and Germany. The expertise underscores the critical role of human capital development in boosting the economy.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of funding for research and development (R&D) and higher education. The technical term TAIKS is utilized, and reference is made to specific data concerning the contribution of businesses to R&D, which surpasses the state's contribution. Furthermore, a specific proposal by Tõnu Viik, the Rector of Tallinn University, regarding the linkage of funding is cited.

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the launch and operation of the school psychologists' helpline, referencing their previous direct involvement in its creation. They use the juxtaposition of data (low call numbers versus the widespread prevalence of mental health issues indicated by surveys) and emphasize the importance of qualified school psychologists in providing the service.

The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in the field of adult education and higher education policy, utilizing specific terminology such as micro-qualification, state administrative fees, and credit point-based funding. The expertise further encompasses the technical aspects of drafting legislation and a detailed familiarity with the standpoints of the ministry (HTM) and key stakeholders (the Rectors' Council, the Unemployment Insurance Fund).

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of education policy, detailing the structure of curricula, the alignment of vocational and general secondary education, and the specific characteristics of funding. Specific terminology is employed, such as the "differentiation fund," the "teachers' career model," and "flexible learning pathways," which indicates a systemic knowledge of reforms within the education sector. The analysis directly connects the formal change (raising the age) with necessary systemic adjustments (e.g., basic school final examinations).

The speaker demonstrates authority and technical expertise in the field of higher education policy and lifelong learning. Specific terminology is employed, such as ECTS volumes (5–30 ECTS), accreditation, and the proportion of degree-level courses (at least 50%) within the micro-degree curriculum. The detailed overview reveals a profound understanding of the content of the draft legislation and its impact on higher education institutions.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the structure and standards of vocational education, particularly in the context of the judicial examination and legal education. They draw a comparison with the integrated five-year curriculum for teacher education (BA and MA), proposing this model as a potential solution for improving the quality of legal education.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in economic policy and public finance, utilizing technical terminology such as "negative supplementary budget" and referencing GDP-based funding percentages. Their focus on research and development (R&D) funding is particularly comprehensive, highlighting data on private sector investments versus the state's contribution. They are also capable of distinguishing the semantic framework of political decisions ("painful decisions" versus "necessary decisions").

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the social sector, focusing specifically on parenting programs and the evolution of their funding. They use specific terminology such as "preventative measures" and "high-risk families," indicating an awareness of the historical application of these programs and current budgetary trends.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in education legislation and the procedural procedures of the Riigikogu, citing precise dates and committee decisions. He explains the solution to a specific problem (the grounds for student exclusion) and offers an approximate number of newly available study places (200–300).

Demonstrates profound expertise in education policy, particularly concerning the specifics of teacher career models, the school network structure, and the details of the ongoing education agreement negotiations. Uses evidence-based arguments (e.g., the Moving School Initiative, the impact of later school start times) to substantiate the proposed reforms. Provides comprehensive summaries of committee discussions, referencing specific stakeholders and the questions that were raised.

The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the fields of education policy and reform management. Specific terminology is employed, referencing change management models and listing ongoing reforms (e.g., vocational education reform, early childhood education reform). Particular emphasis is placed on the role of support specialists (school psychologists, child protection workers) and the necessity of consulting them regarding the extension of the compulsory education age.

The speaker demonstrates competence in the field of research and development and innovation policy, utilizing the relevant terminology. They are cognizant of the sector's typical link to the economy, yet stress the significance of development within the social sciences and humanities, referencing an interest in interdisciplinary subjects.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in matters of education funding and budget allocation, using specific terminology such as "per-capita funding" and "school maintainer." The argument is supported by concrete financial figures (90,000 euros, a 350-euro salary increase) and an example drawn from the experience of the director of Uulu Basic School.