Agenda Profile: Heljo Pikhof

The speaker strongly supports Draft Act 447 SE, which replaces compulsory school attendance with a compulsory learning obligation until the age of 18, focusing on ensuring the continuation of the educational path after basic education. The political position is clearly policy-driven, emphasizing systemic changes, such as specifying the roles of the state and local governments and establishing the basis for recognizing non-formal education. Support is also given to the more efficient use of state financial resources by limiting the simultaneous utilization of state-funded study places in both vocational and higher education.

The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of educational legislation, particularly regarding the extension of compulsory education and the associated support systems. A detailed overview of the draft bill's legislative process is presented, including the concerns raised by specific interest groups (e.g., the Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities, the Cooperation Chamber of Teachers' Associations) and the responses provided by the Ministry of Education and Research. Furthermore, they are competent in explaining the restrictions on the re-use of free tuition in vocational and higher education.

The speech is predominantly formal, informative, and procedural, which is typical of a leading committee's rapporteur. Logical appeals are employed, relying on facts, dates, and the positions of stakeholders to justify the content and procedural progress of the draft bill. When answering questions, the style is direct and explanatory, occasionally defensively stressing that the necessary financial resources for implementing the change are available.

The speaker's work pattern involves intensive legislative activity, serving as the rapporteur for the leading committee (the Culture Committee). He/She references multiple committee sessions (October 14, November 12, November 18) and extensive stakeholder engagement. The current focus is on concluding the second reading of the draft bill and preparing for the third reading by December 4.

The speaker mainly addresses concerns raised by interest groups, particularly the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities (ELVL), regarding the lack of impact analysis, the resulting additional workload for local governments, and funding issues. The criticism focuses on procedural and resource questions, to which the speaker responds with explanations from the Ministry of Education and Research (HTM), clarifying that the matter involves specifying existing tasks and that financial support is guaranteed.

The speaker demonstrated extensive cooperation by involving several organizations from the education sector in the preparation of the draft bill (e.g., EHL, ELVL, ÕÜK, the Association of School Psychologists). This cooperation involved collecting feedback and discussing their concerns during committee sessions, although the content of the bill largely remained in its original form. The committee submitted five amendments to the draft bill.

The speaker focuses on national education policy but highlights regional differences in the number of individuals failing to meet their compulsory education requirement. It is specifically noted that in most counties, up to 18 students need to be located, whereas in Tallinn, this figure is more critical, reaching approximately 250 students who are not continuing their studies.

The speaker confirms that the extension of the study obligation will be accompanied by additional financial resources for local governments to create support systems. He supports fiscal discipline in the education sector, emphasizing that state funds cannot be used to simultaneously enroll in two free study places (a higher education institution and a vocational training institution).

The speaker focuses on the accessibility of education and social support, aiming to reduce the school dropout rate (1,200–1,500 young people annually) and prevent NEET status (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). Emphasis is placed on the need for systemic support, alleviating the shortage of support specialists, and improving the dialogue between parents and the school.

The main legislative priority is the amendment of the Education Act (Bill 447 SE) to establish compulsory education up to the age of 18. The speaker is acting as the rapporteur for the leading committee, responsible for concluding the second reading of the bill and placing the third reading on the agenda. Furthermore, the committee is addressing an issue raised by the Chancellor of Justice concerning the conditions for expulsion from upper secondary school (gymnasium).