A new amendment to the General Education Act, presented to the House of Representatives, proposes sweeping changes across language instruction, student assessments, teacher qualifications, and private school regulations. If passed, the bill will introduce several key changes aimed at restructuring educational standards and practices nationwide.
Key Highlights of the Amendment
Mother Tongue and Language Instruction
The proposed amendment emphasizes mother tongue education at the pre-primary level, with regions determining the grade at which mother tongue instruction ends. English is set to become a required subject starting in the 9th grade, although states may choose to adopt it earlier as a language of instruction. Additionally, students will be required to learn at least three languages, with guidance on performance standards to follow.
Introduction of Additional Language Options
Starting in the 3rd grade, students will have the option to study an additional local language selected by parents or guardians from the federal government’s working languages. The bill also offers the option of studying one additional foreign language from the 9th grade, adding to English, which is introduced as a subject from the 1st grade.
Student Assessment and Promotion
Under the new framework, the amendment proposes banning the ranking of students until the completion of the 6th grade, with assessments focused on broader performance measures. To advance from one grade to the next, students must achieve at least 50% in each subject. Regional exams may only be retaken twice by students who do not initially pass, with individual assessments for each candidate.
Teacher Education and Prioritization of Female Candidates
The amendment prioritizes female candidates in teacher training programs when they meet selection criteria and are tied with male candidates, aiming to promote gender balance in the education sector. Additionally, teachers who receive government-sponsored training would be required to continue working for one year in the profession for each year of training received.
Safeguards Against Misconduct
In a move to strengthen student safety, the bill prohibits individuals convicted of sexual violence from employment as teachers. Further, it bars those convicted of child-related crimes, declared bankrupt, or unable to pay debts from obtaining a private school license.
Proposed National Education Fund
The amendment includes a provision to establish a national education fund, designed to support various educational initiatives. While specific details on the fund’s structure and intended use are yet to be released, it is expected to play a key role in supporting the amendment’s broader goals.
As Parliament reviews the bill, stakeholders await further discussions to assess its potential impacts on the education system.
