Minister of Education speaks about reforms

In the academic year 2013-2014, education reforms were undertaken to improve the quality and level of education, the Education Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said at a press conference on Thursday.

According to him, the main criterion in the education system should be the level of knowledge. Important measures to improve the level of education are reflected in the "National Strategy for the Development of Education in the Republic of Azerbaijan" dated October 24, 2013

In the 2013-2014-m academic year the reception of teachers to work was reformed, as well as change of their place of work and optimizing the workload.

Noting the need for fundamental changes in the preparation of textbooks, the minister noted that in this process are directly involved experts working in various institutions, and representatives of the State Commission on Student Admission.

It was noted that considerable work was done to strengthen the material and technical basis of the education system. Most importantly, vocational training institutions received technical equipment.

Referring to the changes in management, the minister said that a few days ago, ended five-month training courses conducted for directors of Baku schools in a pilot project. In the exams, the participants demonstrated not only traditional knowledge, but also their skills in management.

The minister further said that in 2013 a new rule was adopted for early admission of gifted children under the age of six to school. A decision was taken to issue certificates to all graduates of the XI classes, the maximum limit of weekly teaching load of teachers increased from 24 to 36 hours, payments of monthly funds for economic purposes to headmasters of secondary schools started, and "rules of ethical conduct of teachers" were approved.

In 2013, 144 new schools and additional housing for 13 schools were built in Baku and the regions, while 115 schools were overhauled. -02D-