Education bill discussed
The Standing Committee on Education, Culture, Science and Sports held a discussion of the bill on education on February 1 to receive comments and suggestions from representatives of private universities, colleges, primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, scientists and researchers.
During the discussion, Head of the Department of Integrated Education Policy Planning of the Ministry of Education and Science P.Oyunaa made a presentation on features of the reform of the general and secondary education law and Director of Strategy Academy D.Bumdari reported on the relationship between political party concepts and education policy.
Head of the Association of Private Primary and Secondary Schools N.Nomin and Secretary of the National Committee Human Rights Commission B.Bolorsaikhan gave a speech on private schools and ensuring the right to education.
The bill on education reflects the following changes:
• Various forms of lifelong learning were defined, reflecting 12 years of compulsory education.
• The classification of knowledge and skills was renewed and will be transitioned into the International Standard Classification of Education 2011.
• English will become the second language of Mongolia for developing global citizens.
• Quality assessment for all levels of education was reflected.
• The structure, status, function, and requirements for educational institutions were properly defined.
• Funds and financing will be spent more on the performance, quality, and results of educational services.
• An assessment system, which evaluates the learning progress, skill and knowledge of students to improve the social security of teachers as well as their salaries and bonuses, will be created.
Bill initiators view that implementing the new bill will create favorable conditions to reach the goal of ensuring equal access to quality education for all citizens and strengthening the system of lifelong learning through education as the basis for personal development, family life and country development as stated in the “Vision-2050” longterm policy document.
The bill on education states, “Mongolia’s educational goals are to inherit history, culture, traditions and values, and to develop democratic, humane, ethical, healthy and responsible citizen with world-class knowledge and skills.”
The bill initiators believe that the bill’s essence is the teacher training system. Currently, teachers are being trained in 40 universities and training centers in Mongolia. It is important to improve the teacher training system and provide continuous learning opportunities for teachers in the workplace, lawmakers stated.
Education Minister L.Enkh-Amgalan noted that 138 countries have a 12-year educational system, adding that this system will be integrated with vocational training in Mongolia. The bill provides for the establishment of a results-based and quality-based financing system, the minister reported.