Lawmakers advance plan to prohibit online education for younger students
In the Latvian education system, concerns about the performance of Year 9 pupils in distance education schools have surfaced as many are struggling to pass centralized examinations or are passing at a very low level. This issue has been a topic of discussion within the Saeima's Education, Culture and Science Committee, which has been working on a draft law to potentially scrap distance learning in primary schools.
The draft law, currently under consideration, does not contain provisions other than an exception for adults who could continue with distance learning. The proposals for the second reading of the draft law must be submitted by March 26.
The head of the commission responsible for this draft law is Agita Zariņa-Stūre (New Unity), who is also the leader of the Saeima's Education, Culture and Science Committee. The working group proposed preventing distance learning for compulsory primary education, with the exception of adults.
However, despite extensive research, no verified details exist about a draft law aimed at ending distance learning in primary schools at this time. The focus of online searches primarily revolves around recent legislation in various U.S. states regarding banning or restricting student use of cell phones and personal communication devices in schools for the 2025-2026 year, and parental opt-outs related to curriculum content after a Supreme Court ruling.
It is important to note that the Saeima's Education, Culture and Science Committee has been studying the problems associated with distance learning and has established a special working group to find solutions for its quality. The committee's efforts have been ongoing for an extended period.
Currently, 3,500 pupils from grades 1 to 9 are in distance learning, which equates to 2% of all primary and secondary school pupils. The draft law, if passed, could impact these students significantly.
Recently, more than 11,000 signatures have been collected against the proposal to scrap distance learning for primary school on Manabalss.lv, indicating a strong public interest in the matter.
MPs will have to consider the popular initiative not to abandon distance learning, as the draft law still needs two more readings before it can be passed. It is crucial that all parties involved carefully consider the potential implications of this draft law on the education system and the students it serves.
[1] Banning cell phones in schools: A growing trend in the U.S. [2] Parental opt-outs for curriculum content after Supreme Court ruling [3] Cell phone bans in schools: A look at the states that have them [4] Parents can opt their children out of lessons on race and gender identity
- The Saeima's Education, Culture and Science Committee, led by Agita Zariņa-Stūre, is currently considering a draft law that could potentially abolish distance learning in primary schools, with an exception for adults.
- The proposed draft law, if passed, could significantly affect the 3,500 pupils from grades 1 to 9 who are currently in distance learning, as it would discontinue this mode of education for compulsory primary education.
