2018-08-22
The August Consultations launch was announced during the 2018-2019 academic year preparatory discussions, which took place in the Armavir regional council. The discussion was led by the RA Minister of Education and Science Araik Harutyunyan. The Deputy Governors Aleksandr Ghukasyan, Gagik Gabrielyan, Karen Grigoryan, other responsible officials of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Regional Administration, Directors of schools participated in the dialogues. Addressing the participants, Minister Arayik Harutyunyan, first of all, called on the school principals to be consistent in eliminating the money collections from students and corruption in schools, to stay true to the results of recent months. The Minister once again reminded that schools are apolitical structures and the principle approach of the new government of Armenia is to prevent the education system from being politicized.
Referring to the implemented and anticipated reforms, the Minister of Education and Science also focused the attention of the participants to the program of transition to a universal inclusive education system from September 1.
The Minister, indicating to the question of removing some subjects matters from schools, mentioned that this year no changes have been made to the curriculum and subject areas. The Minister added, "The abrupt changes in the general education system are not justified, and for that reason the changes will not be implemented this year. Public discussion platforms will be created where all the issues will be discussed, after which a final decision will be made."
Arayik Harutyunyan also spoke about school uniforms, noting that after his statement on this topic, various discussions and controversial opinions were voiced in social networks. According to the Minister, the school cannot make school children wear special clothes , on the contrary, the decision should be made by the parent council through pertinent discussions. Arayik Harutyunyan added, "It is unacceptable for me, however, when a teacher, head teacher or school principal sends a child home for not wearing the uniforms.” As far as the issue of bringing cell phones to classrooms is concerned, there are no restrictions yet, but it will certainly be open for discussion.
Araik Harutyunyan, the Minister of Education and Science, said that the major alteration of the upcoming academic year is that all graduating students will more likely sit for standardized exams in order to graduate.The Minister added "All the exams will be consolidated and supervised by the ATC. In other words, all students during the final exams should be ready to take the A-level standardized exams in all subjects. This will be a consolidated summary of the results so that we finally get the real picture of the outcome of our education. The Ministry will hold the school principals responsible regarding the result of education
During the consultation, Arayik Harutyunyan also answered the participants' questions related to school funding, the introduction of inclusive education, the compliance between the number of licenses allocated and the number of learners; the duty of schools that serve a smaller community and other regional issues.
