The Saeima supports the switch to Latvian as the only language of..

LATVIA – Saeima Press Service (29/09/2022)

According to Saeima Press Service, On Thursday, 29 September, the Saeima gave its final reading to amendments to the Education Act and the General Education Act to provide for a phased three-year transition to the state language as the only language of instruction in pre-school and basic education.

According to the bill’s explanatory memorandum, the amendments provide for a gradual transition to the state language as the only language of instruction at pre-school and basic education levels in order to facilitate the successful implementation of the updated curriculum and approach to teaching in all Latvian educational institutions.

The authors of the draft law at the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science point out that the current approach to the language of instruction in minority education programmes has not fully contributed to an adequate level of state language proficiency at all levels of education. Insufficient proficiency in the state language may limit social integration and hinder the development of successful professional careers.

In order to ensure the teaching of minority languages and cultural history in line with the Constitution and the international obligations of the Republic of Latvia, amendments provide opportunities to learn minority languages and cultural history as part of interest-based learning programmes at primary education level. Such programmes are funded by the state and local governments.

The Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked to develop a model for a minority language and cultural history interest education programme and guidelines for implementation.

The amendments stipulate that pupils in pre-school and basic education will be entitled to individual and personalised support for the acquisition of state language skills, if necessary.

From 1 September 2023, basic general education programmes will be fully delivered in Latvian only for grades 1, 4 and 7; from 1 September 2024 for grades 2, 5 and 8; and from 1 September 2025. – for grades 3, 6 and 9. In addition, pre-school education will be organised in the state language only from 1 September 2023.

The amendments also serve to further develop the regulation concerning the command and use of the state language by heads and teachers of educational institutions.

The authors of the draft law estimate that the switch to Latvian language of instruction will affect 17% of teachers and 24% of students enrolled in pre-school and basic minority education programmes.

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