PIRLS 2006 Encyclopedia

Role of Reading SpecialistsIn each school, there are recommended staff positions for a reading specialist andspeech therapist. Schools usually have a speech therapist available for students who havespeaking, reading, or writing problems in preprimary and primary grades.Second-language InstructionThe state provides general basic education in Latvian, as well as Russian, Polish, Hebrew,Ukrainian, Estonian, Lithuanian, Roma (Gypsy), and Byelorussian. For these minorityeducation programs, Latvian is taught as a separate subject beginning in grade 1.Beginning in grade 4, an increasing number of subjects are taught in Latvian.The first foreign language (usually English) is introduced in grade 3.Reading DisabilitiesThere is no single program, or common method, or test for diagnosing students’ readingproblems. Diagnosis is usually the responsibility of the teacher and if there is a studentwith reading, writing, or speech problems there is often a speech therapist available tohelp. Throughout the primary grades, it is very common to have extra time for instructionafter formal lessons. This makes it relatively easy for teachers to provide extra readinghelp or attention if students need it.Special EducationThere are three special types of programs within general education: special educationprograms, programs for ethnic minorities, and social and pedagogical correctionaleducation programs.Pedagogical correction programs are intended for students who have difficulty learningthe curriculum due to developmental or social behavioral problems (excluding medicalproblems). The program lasts up to 3 years and can be implemented in an educationinstitution founded by state, municipality, or any legal entity or person. The decision toenroll students in this program is the responsibility of the school or pedagogical board,with agreement from the student’s parents. The program provides a day-care center, anduses study and instructional correction work to reduce students’ emotional, mental, orphysical stress and develop new models of behavior. After completing this program, astudent should be able to follow mainstream education successfully.PIRLS 2006 EncyclopediaTeachers and Teacher EducationTo ensure high quality in education, specific requirements have been stipulated by thestate for teacher training and qualifications. 18 Since 2004, a teacher must have a highereducation degree and relevant qualifications in compliance with the procedure set byMinistry of Education and Science. Thirty-six hours of in-service training are required ina 3-year period. There are nine state higher education institutions that provide full-timeprofessional teacher-training programs.A first or second degree in education results in a bachelor’s (3–4 years) or master’s (1–2years) degree. A bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline corresponding to the subjectLatviaTIMSS & PIRLSInternational Study CenterLynch School of Education, Boston College 233