Agenda Profile: Heljo Pikhof
First Reading of the Draft Bill (447 SE) for the Act on the Amendment of the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and Related Acts (Establishment of Study Obligation)
2024-06-13
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly aimed at extending compulsory education and increasing the flexibility of the education system to reduce the dropout rate among young people who only have basic education. Draft Bill 447 SE focuses on reforming vocational education, transforming it into a broader-based and competitive alternative to general secondary education. This approach is policy-driven, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring that all young people acquire the qualifications and skills required by the labor market.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Deep expertise is demonstrated in educational management and finance, providing detailed data on the development of new curricula (18 new curricula nearing completion), dropout statistics (20% annually in vocational education), and budget forecasts (5.5 million euros in available funds). Technical terms such as SAIS, OSKA, HEV-youth, and credit point accounting are used, which indicates systematic knowledge of education sector regulations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, explanatory, and procedural, characteristic of a commission report that summarizes the course of the discussion. Logical appeal dominates, focusing on problem-solving (e.g., how to prevent young people from entering the labor market "empty-handed") and the detailed explanation of new regulations. According to the report, Minister Kallas was "very thorough" in explaining the draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The operational model is closely linked to the legislative process, involving the discussion of the draft bill in the Cultural Committee (on June 4) and its presentation to the Riigikogu plenary session (on June 12). The activity also includes inter-ministerial cooperation and the management of the process for developing new curricula, which is scheduled for completion by September 1, 2026.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition (by Liina Kersna and Helle-Moonika Helme) focused mainly on implementation and economic issues. The criticism addressed the risk of demotivating adult learners that comes with making vocational education partially tuition-based, as well as defining the responsibilities of the state and local authorities (KOV) in fulfilling the mandatory learning obligation. The criticism was policy-based and structured as questions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is evident between ministry officials and the minister when clarifying the details of the draft legislation. Furthermore, cooperation is cited with vocational schools regarding the development of new curricula, and with other ministries concerning the creation of support measures. The committee's decisions regarding the handling of the draft bill were adopted by consensus, which points to a procedural willingness to cooperate.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, emphasizing the state's responsibility for ensuring sufficient learning opportunities after basic education. Local governments (LG) are mentioned in connection with monitoring and transmitting information to ensure children reach their places of study, rather than being the destination for regional investments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints support the redistribution and allocation of resources to priority sectors, based on OSKA studies. By introducing tuition fees for adult learners, it is hoped that approximately 5.5 million euros will be freed up, which will be directed towards creating additional study places for youth aged 16 and over. Lifelong learning is supported, with the expectation that repeat learners or those acquiring the next level of education will contribute financially, with the exception of individuals referred through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Education is a core social issue, with particular emphasis placed on supporting young people with special educational needs (SEN) and preventing dropouts. The goal is to ensure that SEN learners also acquire competence and a qualification through a broad-based curriculum, which helps them remain in the labor market. The creation of personalized learning paths and the recognition of non-formal education to maintain motivation are also addressed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is Bill 447 SE (establishing a study obligation), which aims to amend the Education Act and other relevant legislation. The focus is on increasing the flexibility of vocational secondary education curricula and simultaneously restricting free education for adult learners in both vocational and higher education.
1 Speeches Analyzed