Primary education reforms aim to modernize the sector and establish a national model by introducing new learning styles, inspired by education systems in developed European countries and throughout world, but having in mind our unique social and economic conditions, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev told the public parliamentary debate on the draft-concept for primary education on Friday.
We need, he stressed, to have in mind inclusivity, balance, gender equality and multiculturalism, as well as other aspects of the “one society for all” concept.
“There have been comments that we’re rushing education reforms. I think the opposite – reforms are lagging. They should have been implemented ten years ago, as a result of rapid developments in all social spheres, to ensure education keeps up with dynamic and progressive changes. Although we’re late, we won’t rush the process. We’ll work on designing the most suitable education reforms, having in mind children’s best interests. This innovative and applicable education model will enable each child to achieve its full potential. For the first time in a decade, we’re introducing reforms in a transparent way and engaging relevant stakeholders, all in the best interest of students,” Zaev said, adding that the public debate aims to debunk misinformation regarding the initial draft-concept.
For example, the PM said, the draft-concept presentation shows that by introducing the social sciences subject, we’re not removing history from the curriculum, but instead making it a compulsory subject. Moreover, history, geography and civics teachers won’t lose their jobs, but will plan classes together in order to offer students the best education in the most efficient way.
Zaev added that the concept will also ensure career development for teachers, based on analysis conducted by experts and international institution, as well as the education strategy 2017-2025 and the law on primary education adopted last year.
Education Minister Mila Carovska stressed at the event the importance of education reforms, adding that they’re in the best interest of children nationwide and noting that the process must resume to prevent students from following an unsuitable curriculum, which is harmful for young generations.
“Research shows that our children are not learning the skills they need and can’t reach their full potential due to the poor quality of the education system. According to the OECD, pupils in North Macedonia aged up to 14 years old, spend in class 900 hours less compared to those in other member states. According to USAID, our children are facing difficulties with basic skills such as reading and subtraction. Test results have shown that less than 40% of second graders completed their reading exercises, compared to the international average of 80%. Data points to lost generations, disregarded and forgotten future human potential,” the Minister said in her speech on the advantages of the new concept.
The draft-concept was presented Friday at a public parliamentary debate organized by Parliament’s Education, Science and Sports Committee, by members of the working group that created it, Violeta Petrovska-Beshka and Kiril Barbareev.
The event was attended by representatives from the government, the Ministry of Education and Science, national education institutions, as well as Pedagogy Faculty professors, elementary school principals and teachers, members of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU), NGOs, international organizations, etc.
