Education to see serious reforms in 2011

The education sector in Armenia will see serious reforms in 2011, Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan has said.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, he said the reforms are expected particularly in the spheres of pre-school and vocational education.

Given the large number of educational institutions, the minister stressed the importance of merging some of them and adopting a uniform policy in the sector.

As for general education, Ashotyan spoke of high schools, saying that their number is expected to increase to 105. He also said the majority of schools will be computerized and 93% will have an Internet connection by the end of the year.

"The society is not always satisfied with the quality of educational curricula. Most complain that it is too complicated. It is planned to make curricula more accessible by August 1," he said, characterizing the initiative somewhat "risky".

The ministry is also planning to conduct teacher assessment. The teachers with high qualification rates will get an extra payment.

Speaking of pre-school education, Ashotyan said about 2,000 children in four regions (Armavir, Gegharkunik, Syunk Vayots Dzor) and 70 communities of Armenia will this year attend newly opened kindergartens.