Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Modernizing education system in Georgia: a human centered approach Alexander Lomaia Minister of Education and Science of Georgia Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Contents  Background: An Inherited Legacy of Decline  Goals of Reform  Principles and Methodology  Application to General Education & Higher Education  How to Measure Progress  Reform Outcomes to Date Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Presentation plan

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach GEORGIA Population: 4,4 million General Education : 600,000 pupils / 70,000 teachers / 2,500 schools Higher Education: students / 120 HEIs* Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Background: a legacy of decline

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Background: a legacy of decline Goals irrelevant design no shared goals Content & Methodology  teacher-centered, process-oriented  curriculum addressing an ‘average pupil”  memorization and passive acceptance  preparing solely for HE Resources input oriented non-transparent school not repaired since built expenditure per capita in similar schools differed no teacher professional development Management  dual subordination  authoritarian  non-inclusive environment, kept the parents &community away General education National assessment in literacy and math (2003): up to 40% below the low level

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Institution & Management corrupt entrance exams authoritarian management non-accountable gap between education and research no quality assurance mechanisms Content predetermined, no choice obsolete methodology and curricula lecturer-centered approach non-responsive to demands of labor market non-comparable, non-compatible Financing input oriented non-transparent Autonomy centralized governance by the government Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Background: a legacy of decline Higher education At least 3 mil. USD paid in bribes annually at the university entrance examinations

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Goals of the reform Public expenditures on education: 3 times by 2010: 3% of GDP Learning environment with modern standards Increased quality of education Better access to education Compatibility with int’l system of education and R&D Favorable conditions for life-long learning Responsiveness to labor market demands Knowledge-based economy Competitiveness Civic integration Social inclusion

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Principles and methodology Reinventing the concept of education: a student Decentralization/deregulation/liberalization Accountability Quality assurance: accreditation and standards Result oriented teaching and learning Capacity building Freedom of choice Money follows student Public participation

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Principles and Methodology Expected Changes Teaching Individual | Modern Result oriented | Demand driven Resources Per capita | Voucher system | Learning environment Human resources | Infrastructure | State fellowships Management Decentralization | Accountability | Self-governance | Elected bodies

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Change implementation strategy Strategy development New legal environment Content: national curriculum, university programs Evaluation/ assessment Financing model: implementation Adjustment Institutional changes: specialized agencies established

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Implementation time frame Higher Education Legal framework – institutional changes - self-governance - curriculum – European Higher Education Area General Education Legal framework – restructuring – school boards elected – new curriculum – teacher certification - infrastructure

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Indicators of the progress Teaching/Learning Outcomes Results of national/international assessments Increased employability rate Computer literacy Better performance of ethnic minority pupils Civic and social Inclusion Increase in the number of scientific publications Recourses Better learning environment Increased school voucher Private funds raised Computer to student ratio Increased teacher salaries More schools for children with special needs Attractiveness More foreign students Decrease in corruption perception HEIs included in international rankings

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Reform outcomes to date Concept development National goals of general education National curriculum - built around an individual  implementation in progress Teacher development concept: certification, incentives for growth VET concept: new opportunities Legal changes Law on GE – school boards, freedom of choice Law on HE – autonomy, accountability, liberalization, research-based education Pending draft law on VET Pending draft law on TPD

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Reform at the current stage Institutional/infrastructural Changes School boards elected: 80% turnout NAEC (Examinations), TPDC (Teacher Professional Development), NCAC (Curriculum), NEAC (Accreditation) HEI accreditation –institutional capacity standards: 247  110  39 (?) School rehabilitation program: better learning environment for 30% of pupils School computerization: ratio 200/1  65/1 Public expenditures: doubled since 2003 Regional coverage – educational resource centers United Entrance Examinations 2005, 2006: “corruption eradicated” – MA national exams to follow in 2009

Modernizing education in Georgia: a human centered approach Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Contributing factors Media campaign WB financial & technical assistance Political will: stability, concerted efforts Public expectations for changes Private business support: student loans, donations Lessons learned from other countries Assistance of Donors: OSI, UNDP, USAID, OSCE… Education reform