Parliament approves Law on General Education in third reading

With 85 votes for and 10 against, the Georgian Parliament approved the Law on General Education in the third reading. Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth Affairs Zviad Gabisonia presented key amendments to the lawmakers.

Based on the proposed amendments, complete general education will last no less than 11 and no more than 12 years, distributed as follows: Primary (6 years, 1-6 grades), Basic (3 years 7-9 grades) and Secondary (2 years, 10-11 grades, and a voluntary 1 year, 12th grade). Also, the age for starting primary education will be 6 years for an individual who has turned 6 by September 15.

The rule for assigning textbooks to students will be abolished, as the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth Affairs will ensure the printing of textbooks and their provision to schools for temporary use by students.

At the primary level, pupils will be obliged to wear uniforms, which will be approved by the Ministry. The Ministry will also approve the rules for the use of electronic communication devices (including mobile phones) by students in public schools.