The learning model implemented in North Macedonia during the current school year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has shown excellent results, something which will hopefully continue in the future. All students will return to classrooms when the time is right, Education Minister Mila Carovska said at a press conference on Monday.

Regarding resuming in-person classes in the spring term, she told reporters that students will return to classrooms once health authorities and the Education Ministry decide that the time is right. The education system is adjusting to the pandemic and its main goal is to protect the health of students, teachers, and the entire population, while at the same time maintain continuity in the learning process.

90% of pupils and teachers, Carovska underlined, had no trouble taking part in online classes.

“The first trimester wrapped up by finalizing grades on Friday, without major challenges. Elementary and high school principals have stressed no significant issues and when obstacles arose they overcame them together with teaches and students’ families,” Carovka told the news briefing.

As of December 4, the Minister added, a total of 76 students and 167 teachers are currently infected with coronavirus.

“The shows that protocols are being fully implemented and the diseases has not spread in schools. Therefore, the current learning model should remain in place,” Carovska noted.

She added that teachers faced no significant challenges in grading students.

“Last year, due to the shock the education system experienced as a result of the pandemic, grading was done at the end of the school year. This year, there’s continuity in the learning process, via three different models. Students were graded without serious challenges and the situation will repeat at the end of the semester, etc. I’m sure this school year will end successfully, proving there’s no compromise with the quality of education,” Carovska concluded.