The New School Model is entering a large-scale implementation phase
The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Ekaterine Dgebuadze, held a presentation of the framework document for the systemic vision of general education development and the implementation of the next stage of the "New School Model". The meeting was attended by education specialists, representatives of non-governmental and international organizations, vocational associations and other stakeholders.
According to the deputy Minister, the "New School Model" will move to a new stage of implementation from the 2020-21 academic year. It will enter all schools throughout Georgia and the implementation process will be completed by 2024. The Deputy Minister, also mentioned that it is important to analyze the initial stages of the implementation course, with the involvement of experts, that’s why, the process began in 2019 and is underway in 165 schools across Georgia and will continue until the fall of 2020. This preparatory phase involves analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the New School Model, refining the resources and methodology needed to implement the project, and preparing for future expansion. This is the foundation on which a larger-scale phase should be established from the beginning of the new academic year. In addition, according to the Deputy Minister, the number of students involved in the project will also increase. If until now the "New School Model" only concerned students and teachers of grades 1-4 of primary school, from February 2020 students and teachers of 5-9 grades of 22 schools of Tbilisi will be involved in the process.
In order to effectively implement the New School Model throughout Georgia, there is a plan in motion, to decentralize the process with the involvement of resource centers. In particular, expert groups will be set up by region. 23 working groups consisting of 14 subject experts will work on the premises of resource centers and will include, in addition to subject experts, specialists in inclusive education and pre-school education. The experts, who will be selected on the basis of a competitive interview and practical exam stages.
It is noteworthy that the Ministry create a framework document for the systemic vision of general education education, which will be finalized as a result of the work of 12 groups of industry experts. Most Importantly, the document is based on the experience gained by the Ministry in implementing the New School Model from the example of 165 schools. Accordingly, the concept of education reform begins in the classroom and involves both public school and resource centers as well as higher education institutions.
Student-centered "new school model" implementation is a living process involving children, teachers, school administration, parents, and experts in the field. At school, students need to acquire a fundamental knowledge. They must learn the material so deeply and substantially that, they are able to critically analyze it, understand it, dissect it and and apply it to different life situations. The school environment should be person-oriented, caring, harmonious, cooperative, compassionate and safe, which will allow all teenagers to realize their full potential.
The New School Model also evaluates schools according to school culture and students' academic achievement. As a result, individual profiles of schools are defined, which reflect their strengths and weaknesses. Similar types of assessments allow the school to see the real picture and plan specific activities to overcome existing challenges.
