PIRLS 2006 Encyclopedia

PIRLS 2006 Encyclopedialicenses for opening comprehensive education institutions, and sets education standardsalong with the content and procedures for teacher training.The following laws and regulations are the basis of education policy in Latvia:• Law on Education (1998) contains the definitions of all types and levels ofeducation and sets the general principles and competences of governing bodies;• Law on General Education (1999) stipulates in detail the main organizationalprinciples and procedures of general education services;• Law on Professional Education (1999); and• Law on Higher Education Establishments (1995). 4In addition, education policy is shaped by regulations issued by the Cabinet ofMinisters and decrees, instruction, and methodology guidelines issued by the Ministryof Education and Science.Structure of the Education SystemThe major levels of education are preprimary education, including compulsory educationfor 5- and 6-year-old children, compulsory general basic education (grades 1–9), generalsecondary education (grades 10–12), and higher education.General basic education in Latvia can be acquired in vocational schools, specialeducation institutions, night (part-time) secondary schools, education institutions, orclasses of social or pedagogic correction. 5 These programs are provided in primaryschools and basic schools, depending on the structure of the education institution andhow the teaching and learning process is organized. 6General secondary education in Latvia is acquired in 3 years (grades 10–12). Thislevel of education can take place in secondary schools, night (part-time) secondaryschools, and gymnasiums. 7In the 2006-07 school year, there were 33 private general education schools in Latvia.There also were 58 primary schools, 483 basic education schools, 378 secondary educationschools, and 64 special education schools. 8LatviaRole of Preprimary EducationPreprimary education focuses on comprehensive child development, health education,and preparation for basic education. 9 It is meant to encompass a child’s mental, physical,and social development up to the age of 7 (children enter the first grade in the calendaryear they turn 7). It is provided in preschool education institutions, special preschooleducation institutions, and preparatory groups of general education institutions, as wellas in family settings. 10 The length of the school day for children, ages 5–7, may not exceed120 minutes. 11According to the Ministry of Education and Science, the primary goal of preschooleducation is to develop the abilities of each child, stimulate their willingness to learnabout the surrounding world, develop their social skills, perceptions, and memory, and230