The Government of the Republic of Slovenian adopted in April 2021 the Recovery and resilliation plan (sl). The Council of EU approved it end of July 2021. It includes the process initiated in February, namely the process of modernisation of education programmes and modernisation of the kindergarten curriculum.
The Ministry responsible for education started in February 2021 the multi-year modernisation of education programmes (sl). By the decision of the Minister, the National education institute Slovenia has to develop background material for the modernisation of education programmes in basic and upper secondary general education, background material for modernisation of knowledge catalogues for general education subjects in upper secondary vocation and technical education, and short upper secondary vocational education, as well as background material for modernisation of the Kindergarten Curriculum.
The Institute has to relate the background material to the current Analysis of subject-curricula in basic school and upper secondary general education, the findings of the pilots carried out and development projects and activities, as well as concepts developed in parallel.
The process of developing the background material has to comply with the strategic goals and policies of the national recovery plan that seeks to improve, in particular, the digital competences and sustainable development competences in basic and upper secondary general education, as well as other important strategic development documents of the Republic of Slovenia.
The Ministry responsible for infrastructure modernised according to the Act amending the Road transport Act (sl) as of 1 September 2021 the system of subsidised tickets for upper secondary and higher education students, as well adult education learners. It introduced the subsidised ticket for integrated public passenger transport. The ticket at a common price of EUR25 for one month and/or EUR200 for the whole year shall allow students to travel unlimitedly on the public transport intercity routes in Slovenia. That means between not only the place of residence and place of education, but on routes all over the country.
In July, the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the amendment to the Organisation and Financing of Education Act (en). The amendment introduces a 100 percent funding of the compulsory programme and 85 percent funding of the extended programme, namely supplementary lessons, after-school classes, morning care, and interest activities, in the private basic schools. It laid down eligibility criteria for public funding. Providers have to be on the relevant register, enrolment requirements have to allow access to basic school and upper secondary students without discrimination on the ground of nationality, race, gender, language, religion, political and other affiliation, birth, education, social status, disability or any other personal circumstance. Schools have to have at least 80 percent of teachers needed to implement the programme on staff.
The Minister responsible for education adopted in July 2021 the Rules amending the Rules on the matura for candidates with special needs (sl). The National committee for matura, matura testing committees for mathematics, and representatives of the association Društvo Bravo reached an agreement on the use of a simple calculator while taking the math exam – examination sheet 1 in general matura. Such aid is otherwise not allowed during the exam according to the Subject catalogue for general matura mathematics 2021.
Rules amending the Rules on the organisation and reimbursement of transportation costs for children and young people with special needs (sl) introduced amendments to provision of transportation of disabled children. In the past, head teachers of upper secondary schools had difficulties in finding the transporter with an adapted vehicle suitable for the transportation of students with moderate to severe physical disability. The physical disability of certain students is such that the students can move from a wheelchair into a vehicle on their own despite their disability in circumstances of domestic or organised transport and vice versa. If parents can drive a student in this way than there is no need to a different arrangement in school.
In July 2021, the Ministry responsible for education consulted the public on the following rules and relevant preambles to amendments:
The majority of proposed amendments related to increasing the counselling staff, librarian, and organiser of practical training at work, as well as accounting, administrative and technical staff. The draft rules introduce a new job post of a cook or dietary cook in upper secondary schools, as well.
In June 2021, the Education, Science and Culture Trade Union of Slovenia signed with the Government of the Republic of Slovenian the Annex to the Collective Agreement for the Education Sector in the Republic of Slovenia (Annex to the Collective Agreement for the Education Sector in the Republic of Slovenia). It amended and/or stipulated the time lag for the salary, namely now it will be paid out on the day 10 of the relevant month at the latest. Further, it amended the commuting, meal and holiday allowances, amount of daily and off-site allowances, allowance per kilometre covered by a personal vehicle for work, holiday allowance, allowance for meals, compensation for upper secondary and higher education students in compulsory practical training, and threshold for acquiring the right to solidary help for members of the representative union. The amount of the allowance for meals will be adjusted twice a year, the amount of the separation allowance, daily allowance for business travels within the country, long-service bonuses and solidarity help once a year, and for the years of service taken into account when acquiring the right to long-service bonus one shall also take into account years of service at concessionaires that pursue activities in the public service network.
In March 2021, the Minister responsible for education adopted
The amendments will started with the school year 2021/2022.
The amendments allow for a classification of further job posts for computer-organiser of information activities, so basic schools will be able to assure quality and efficient realisation of goals in the circumstances of distance learning, as well. Basic schools can now classify and employ Roma assistants who have been since over 10 years an important link among Roma children, their parents and education staff within the educational institutions. Basic schools and institutes that provide adapted and/or special education programme for SEN children can now the same as mainstream schools classify a job post for an assistant staff to support the Roma students.
The rules introduced a requirement of a higher level of educational qualification for accountants. They now have to have at least a first cycle higher education qualification or equivalent. The rules on norms in bilingual basic schools and basic schools with Italian medium of instruction on the other hand lower the standard for classifying an accountant.
The rules introduced, also, a new standard for a cook preparing meals in a basic school as it includes the preparation of medically indicated foods prescribed by a doctor. Now, schools can employ cooks on different job posts (cook IV, dietary cook IV, cook V and dietary cook V) according to the level of vocational and/or technical educational qualification and competences in preparing diet foods.
In May 2021, the Ministry responsible for education adopted the Funding of school competitions Rules (sl). The competent Ministry consulted other ministries and the public on the new Rules in February 2021. It specifies the requirements, selection procedure, funding, as well as eligible costs for cofunding school knowledge competitions and school talent and skills competitions, as well as competitions aimed to popularise knowledge in basic and upper secondary education. The Rules further specify the method for limiting the number of golden and silver award certificates, selection procedure, as well as eligible costs of international competitions organised in the Republic of Slovenia.
In March 2021, the Minister responsible for education adopted the Rules amending the Basic school documentation Rules (sl) after it consulted other ministeries on it in February 2021. It relates to the coordination of the Act on the Intervention for Children and Youth with Emotional and Behavioural disorders in Education. A student’s personal portfolio includes the report of the mobile team, other relevant reports, as well as diagnostics. This portfolio has to accompany the student in case the students transfers to another school. In this way, one secures the continuity of support and understanding of the child’s difficulties.
In March 2021, the Minister responsible for education adopted the Rules amending the Upper secondary school calendar Rules (sl). It will apply from the school year 2021/2022. It introduces some changes to dates (exams and end of school), does away with mismatch with the relevant laws on annual work plan. The names of statistical regions will be updated and start dates for individual holidays amended, that is no-school days (public holidays). It also does away with the mismatch with the Upper secondary school documentation
In January 2021, the Minister responsible for education approved the amendments:
- Rules on norms of implementing education programmes and education programme for students with emotional and behavioural disorders in upper secondary education (sl),
- Rules amending the Rules on norms and standards in upper secondary schools with Italian medium of instruction (sl)
- Rules amending the Rules on norms and standards in the bilingual upper secondary school (sl).
The amendments allow for eventual extra reduction in instruction time in view of the organisation to date for a teacher who is responsible to organise information activities and has proper competences.
In January 2021, one published the Rules on the process and criteria for the award of titles to education staff in the adapted programme for preschool education children and the special education programme for SEN children and youth in social welfare institutions (sl). The Minister responsible for education passed it. It specifies the procedure and requirements for the award of the relevant education staff title. The Rules gave the staff in social welfare institutions now can be promoted to titles the same as staff in mainstream education.
The Ordinance on the approach to meeting the recovered-vaccinated-tested requirements to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (sl) came into force on September 6. It imposed self-testing on the students in grades 7, 8 and 9 and upper secondary students, adult education learners, and higher education students. Self-testing is imposed on children and young people enrolled in institutions for education and training for SEN children (institutions for children with emotional and behavioural disorders), and students at third to sixth level of special education programmes unless objective reasons exist against it. Basic school and upper secondary students, adult education learners and higher education students self-test with antigen testing kits at one-week intervals. They receive free test kits at the pharmacist’s. The antigen testing kits shall be state funded.
The ordinance imposed on education staff and other staff at all levels of education the recovered-vaccinated-tested requirement. The results of antigen self-testing kits taken at one-week intervals apply, as well. Employers in education provide funds for self-testing and specify the time and place of self-testing, it can be at home or at work. Employers can according to the ordinance act against the employees who do not meet the RVT requirement, namely according to the rules on occupational health and safety, rules on employment relations, and respective collective agreements. Persons and employees who fail to meet the RVT requirement shall not be allowed to used services and participate or be present during the provision of the service.
By the Decision on educational activities in public educational institutions in the school year 2021/2022 (sl) the new school year started in basic schools and upper secondary schools according to the model B according to the models and recommendations in circumstance of COVID-19 infectious disease (sl). Educational institutions have to account for the current epidemiological situation and pursue the educational activities as recommended by National institute of public health.
By the Distance teaching decision (sl) the distance teaching and learning in basic and upper secondary schools will take place if:
Temporary restriction or prohibition of crowding in educational institutions, organisation of educational activities adjusted to epidemiological restrictions (alternate lessons etc.), and the competent inspectorate decides that the institution does not meet the defined restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19 or quarantining of individual classes.
In March and April 2021, the Minister responsible for education adopted the Decision on the general and vocational matura adjustment in the school year 2020/2021 (sl). It specified adjustments to the subject examination catalogues, assessment, and implementation of matura in two consecutive exam terms, keeping records of electronic addresses of general matura candidates, access to examination documentation, complaint, return of examination documentation, nomination and membership of school examination committee, dates, development of oral exam sheets, arranging and informing candidates of written exams, dates of oral exams and presentations, duties and responsibilities of the invigilating teachers, arrangement of the examination room, preparing candidates for the oral exam, oral exam execution, and execution of the exam in the fourth subject of the vocational matura.
On 1 April 2021, the deteriorated epidemiological situation and by the relevant ordinance of the Government (sl) all basic and upper secondary schools closed. They welcomed back basic schoolchildren of all classes and upper secondary students in final years (as to the 4- or 3-year programme). Other upper secondary students returned to school according to the hybrid model: half of classes alternate at one-week intervals between learning in school and distance learning. On 10 May 2021, all upper secondary students returned to schools. Hybrid learning was discontinued.
On 8 March 2021 and in accordance with the Ordinance on the temporary prohibition of assembly in educational institutions and universities (sl), the upper secondary schools opened their doors to the remaining students still taking distance lessons. The students returned to school to sit their lessons according to the adapted model C. This means that students alternatively go to school for one week and stay at home and take distance lessons the next. In this way, only half of students or classes are present at school. Present at all time at school for all lessons are final-year uppers secondary students and all students in short upper secondary vocational education.
On 15 February 2021, all basic schools reopened their doors for students of all grades. Final-year students in upper secondary education and all in short upper secondary vocational education, too, returned to school. According to the Ordinance on the temporary prohibition of assembly in educational institutions and universities (sl) as of February 2021, the staff of educational institutions have to get weekly rapid SARS-CoV-2 tests.
With the school year 2020/2021, the in 2019 amended Rules on norms and standards of implementing the basic school programme (sl) started to apply. It narrates the normative organisation and inclusion of migrant children. Migrant children now have the right to additional Slovenian lessons according to uniform criteria as set by the new rules for children foreigners who enrol in the Slovenian basic school for the first time after moving to Slovenia. Schools with several foreign students (over 9) can now classify a new education staff post.
In the school year 2020/2021, teachers started to use the new subject-curriculum for learning Slovenian for migrant students and modernised subject-curriculum for compulsory optional subject rhetoric.
In the same school year, upper secondary schools started to use the modernised upper secondary programmes that include a new component, the so-called other forms of educational activities that include selective content in the gimnazija programmes, and interest activities in vocational programmes, as well as compulsory content active citizenship.
In February 2020, the Council of experts of the Republic Slovenia for general education specified three subject-curricula for beginning course of Slovenian for migrant students, namely separately for each of the three levels of the educational cycles. They started to apply with the school year 2020/2021.
In February 2020, the Councils of experts of the Republic of Slovenia for general education and vocational and technical education passed the amended upper secondary education programmes. The programmes include a new component or other forms of educational activities: a compulsory set of contents on active citizenship, as well as non-compulsory contents in gimnazije and interest activities in vocational and technical education. Furthermore, the Council of experts of the Republic of Slovenia for general education approved in February the subject-curriculum and catalogues of knowledge for the above set of contents. The revised programmes will come into operation with the school year 2020/2021.
End of December 2020, the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Act on the Intervention for Children and Youth with Emotional and Behavioural disorders in Education (sl). The new law specifies the activities of the educational institutions for students with emotional and behavioural disorders that will assume the role of professional centres in four gaographical areas and will on their own or in cooperation with other professional centres provide the integrated support for children and youth with emotional and behavioural disorders. The law provides for several options of flexible support, specifies the cooperation of individual ministries, and introduces the mechanisms for better protection of rights and safety of children, youth and staff. The law aims in particular to set up a single system of integrated treatment of those children and youth in educational institutions that are in the realm of several ministries, and to make the setting up of professional centres that will offer preventive activities, too, to children in kindergartens and schools. In this way, all in need will receive help and support as soon as possible and eventual later placements.
In December 2020, the Minister responsible for education adopted the Rules on norms and standards for funding and provision of public service in adult education (sl). The Rules is the background document for decisions on funding the public service in 2021. This includes counselling service in adult education, and the basic school programme for adults.
In October 2020, one adopted the Rules amending the Rules on the criteria and methods for the valuation of material expenses in educational institutions for children with special needs (sl). The Rules provides for funding after the approval by the relevant Ministry renting extra rooms to institutions that lack sufficiant rooms for the delivery of educational activities.
In August 2020, one adopted the Rules amending the Education staff promotion Rules (sl), namely to honour the agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Education, Science and Culture Trade Union of Slovenia in December 2018. The Government committed to modernise in cooperation with the Union the career development of education staff. The Rules allow for the education staff to be promoted to the highest title.
In July 2020, the Ministry of education coordinated inter ministries the draft new law on the intervention for children and young people with emotional and conduct disorders and problems in education.
In December 2020, the National committee for the matura concluded that the candidates for the matura 2021 have had unfavourable conditions for preparing in extraordinary circumstances of Covid-19 epidemics and schools being closed in the school years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, lessons nod delivered and distance learning. The Committe adopted in December 2020 the following adjustments (sl):
In December 2020, the Minister responsible for education adopted the Decision on the emergency measures in personnel administration required for smooth operations of educational institutions (sl).
According to the decision:
In December 2020, the Minister responsible for education adopted the Decision on measures for smooth provision of educational activities in basic schools in the school year 2020/2021 (sl) and the Decision on the organisation of lessons and assessment of upper secondary students in the school year 2020/2021 (sl). The decisions replaced the two assessment cycles in the school year 2020/2021 with only one that extends throughout the school year. The decisions further specified assessment. In basic school, the assessment takes place in a class with other students present or in a learning group, during distance learning, it can be taken individually, as well. It specified lower number of marks that the students have to obtain in individual subjects; the current Rules on assessment and marking in basic school specify otherwise. The relevant decision specifies that upper secondary schools have to harmonise the school rules of assessment (assessment methods and times defined with the subject-curricula or catalogue of knowledge, and the assessment plan, number of marks necessary in individual subjects or technical module in the assessment cycle), and teachers or education staff working groups have to harmonise the assessment plans and notify students about the times of assessment.
In November 2020, one adopted the Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Mitigate the Consequences of the Second Wave of COVID-19 Epidemic (sl). According to the new law, the local communities organised free warm meals for children from deprived backgrounds on the days of the distance learning. On the same basis, the Ministry responsible for education provided additional 8,600 computers for educational institutions, namely by the end of 2020 and to the amount of €5.7 million.
In October 2020, the Government adopted the Ordinance temporarily prohibiting gatherings of people in educational institutions and universities and independent higher education institutions (sl).
End of October 2020, the second wave of the pandemic caused schools to close. On 19 October 2020, students in grades 6 to 9 started distance learning. The following week were autumn holidays in line with the school calendar. The holidays were extended for another week. After the holidays, all students stayed at home and joined in the distance learning.
In the school year 2020/2021, the education activities in kindergartens, basic schools, music schools and upper secondary schools started on 1 September, namely in the specified time frame and according to the model B (all go to school). The Ministry developed together with the National education institute and National institute of public health and released the publication "Education in the Republic of Slovenia in reference to Covid-19" (sl).
Four possible models of instruction and relevant recommendations have been introduced, namely about how schools can plan and implement educational activities; it applies by analogy to kindergartens.
The education models of instruction and/or education activities shall apply according to the epidemiological situation in the country:
End of August, the public institutes (e. g. the National education institute – ZRSŠ, the Institute for vocational education and training – CPI) implemented various training (ZRSŠ and CPI) to support kindergarten teachers and school teachers, head teachers and other education staff in their endeavours to make distance learning work.
In July 2020, the public institute Arnes initiated the program "Additional support ICT for educational process". Its purpose is to set up ICT infrastructure that will support distance teaching and learning. The goal of the investment is to improve the infrastructure capacities and services, in particular online classrooms, videoconference services, and to purchase around 4,000 notebooks for schools to use in everyday activities and/or if necessary, lend out to students who do not have equipment for distance learning at home. The program is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and it tunes up to €4 m. To learn more about the program ...
In July 2020, one published the results of the study “Distance education in COVID-19 epidemic times in Slovenia” (sl). It was the National Education Institute (ZRSŠ) that implemented the study in May and June 2020, in week 8 of distance education, to analyse various practices of distance education in epidemic times. The research included the experience of distance teaching and learning, organisation and implementation of instruction, use of digital technology, realisation of learning objectives, didactical strategies and method of distance teaching, assessment of knowledge, self-evaluation of skills to implement distance teaching, benefits and challenges, as well as cooperation with different stakeholders.
With the improved epidemic situation kindergartens, schools welcomed back students on 18 May 2020: half of children in kindergartens, grade 1, 2 and 3 students in basic schools, and final-year upper secondary students. On 25 May 2020, grade 9 students, on 1 June students of grades 4 and 5 returned to schools, and on 3 June students of grades 6, 7 and 8. All basic school classes resumed normal dynamics as before the epidemic. On 3 June, all kindergartens and basic schools opened doors for all their children and students; most upper secondary students completed the year with distance learning. Upper secondary schools reopened doors for all their students on 24 June when students came in to pick up their certificates.
The national assessment at basic school was omitted this year. The final-year upper secondary students completed the year as specified by rules, namely with the final examinations, vocational matura or general matura.
In April and May 2020, the Ministry in cooperation with the Ministry of health, National institute of public health, National education institute, Institute for vocational education and training, Slovenian institute for adult education, representatives of the head teacher associations, representatives of the Independent trade union of education, science and culture, as well as other stakeholders joined forces to set the conditions for quality education, care for vulnerable groups, and safe reopening of kindergartens and schools. For this purpose, specific measures and actions were specified in the legislation on intervention measures to supress the epidemic spread and contain the epidemic and reduce or do away with negative impacts; the educational institutions received circular letters, instructions and recommendations for the implementation of educational process, assessment and completion of the school years.
Instructions and recommendations for kindergartens, schools, as well as schools and educational institutions for SEN children, higher vocational collages, residence halls for upper secondary students, music schools (sl)
and Information and professional recommendation for adult education institutions (sl) have been published online.
The decisions published on the websites of the Ministry of education, science and sports:
Decision on the declassification of national assessment tests in hard copy and/or digital form in the school year 2017/2019 (.pdf, sl);
Decision on deadlines for exercising the right and fulfilling the obligations in upper secondary education for the school year 2019/2020 (.pdf, sl).
In July 2020, one adopted the Act on Intervention Measures to Prepare for the Second Wave COVID-19 (sl). It specified among other the provisions of the Scholarship Act in reference to reimbursing employers the part funding of sponsorship scholarships and obligation of scholarship recipients as to employment.
In May 2020, one adopted the the Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Mitigate and Remedy the Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic (sl). It made provision for the exemption of payment for all parents for the time their child had been absent from the kindergarten during the epidemic; it allowed for the extension of deadlines to enrol in higher education institutions and to consider the extreme circumstances in the procedure of obtaining and maintaining the right to scholarship.
In April 2020, the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted and amended the Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Contain the COVID-19 Epidemic and Mitigate its Consequences for Citizens and the Economy (sl) that among other, provided the legal background for the implementation of distant teaching and the option for the Minister responsible for education to adapt with a relevant decision the school calendar (academic for short-cycle higher vocational education), assessment and progression, completion of education, deadlines for exercising the rights and fulfilling obligations of all subjects in basic, upper secondary and short-cycle higher vocational education. It made provision for recognising work-based practical trainining, compulsory optional content and/or interest activities in upper secondary eduation. The law regulated the funding for providers of public services, as well as private kindergartens, that had not operated during epidemic.
From the closing of schools in March until the reopening for all basic school students, the public television TV Slovenija aired every day for basic school students an hour-long live show under the title “Izodrom” to support distance education. The show combined entertainment, fun and educational content. Every day it hosted teachers from all over Slovenia. It resulted in 49 shows and a portal hosting content that was and is useful to teachers and students teaching and learning distantly.
According to the Ordinance on the temporary prohibition of assembly in educational institutions and universities, as well as independent higher education institutions (sl), all kindergartens, schools, and most of institutions of education of SEN children, all adult education organisations, universities, and independent higher education institutions, residential halls for basic school, upper secondary and/or higher education students, and music schools closed their doors and have remained closed since 16 March 2020.
The Ministry of education and National Education Institutor Slovenia (ZRSŠ) communicated to basic schools and upper secondary schools the recommendation on how to organise and provide distance learning. At the state’s level, a coordination group was set up. The group coordinates and steers the activities of state institutions in terms of providing support to schools. A single entry point for head teachers and teachers to look for support and guidance, namely at the Slovenian educational network (SIO). In view of the coronavirus epidemics SARS-CoV-2, several deadline have been extended: enrolment in short cycle higher vocational education programmes and higher education study programmes; application for several calls; cancellation of professional examination for education staff, etc.
Most schools organised distance learning already on the first day after closing, namely supported by the ZRSŠ and ARNES, contentwise and technical support respectively.
The Ministry, ZRSŠ and RTV Slovenia combined forces in developing a special programme for students of up to basic school grade five. The programme is a mix of educational, informative and entertaining contents related to the subject curricula.
In February 2020, the new School textbook fund administration Rules came into operation (sl). School textbook funds have been separate units of school libraries and administered by school librarians. The new rules provide for an expanded range of learning material kept in the textbook fund, and increase in autonomy of school in providing material for learning. It highlights the significance of proper choice of learning material that parents buy. Upper secondary schools that have set up a textbook fund (school autonomy)charge lending fees. Textbook funds are mandatory for basic schools and are state funded. The new methodology used to calculate annual funds now applis to exercise books for grade three students, that is for students in the first educational cycle (grades 1–3), however, schools have discretion to allocate funds across grades. School libraries are now included in the information system COBISS as specified by the new Librarianship Act (2015) and related reforms of school librarianship. The system will provide information to support for the ones overseeing the implementation of the rules, namely with relevant data.
In March 2020, the National Education Institution Slovenia (ZRSŠ) after a month-long public debate of experts published the proposed revision of the concept of identifying gifted and talented learners and educational activities for them. The group of experts on education and educational activities for gifted and talented children at ZRSŠ elaborated the document, and the focus groups gave their critical input, assessment and recommendation. The draft new document is the revised concept of identifying gifted and talented learners and educational activities for such learners at basic school (1999) and upper secondary school (2007). It was premised on appropriate expertise. It provides for identifying potential gifted and talented learners in schools, as well as in kindergartens, and it further outlines the role of mentors, pedagogical coordinators, school counselling service and teachers; It underlines individualisation, differentiation and personalisation in the scope of mainstream instruction and the significance of continuous education and training.
In September 2019, the Minister of education adopted the Rules amending the Basic school programme implementation norms Rules. (sl) The amended Rules complete the norms and criteria for allocation of additional hours/lessons of Slovenian to students foreigners who had started to attend Slovenian basic school for the first time after moving to the country; schools that will enrol higher numbers of those students will have the option to systemise an education staff post.
End of 2018 and in January 2019, the amended basic school education programme was published. It followed the decision by the Council of experts of the Republic of Slovenia for general education to upgrade the subject-curriculum for Slovenian and beekeeping to compulsory optional subjects, and define the subject-curricula for the subjects of film education and Slovenian sign language. The application of all shall start with the school year 2019/2020.
One plans to adopt by the end of 2020 the secondary legislation to define implementation.
In July 2019, the National Assembly passed the new Gimnazije Act (sl). It evens out the managing of students under age and of age in terms of requests for excused absence from school, notifying parents about the education of their children. Parents of students of age will continue to request for excused of their children's absence from school without prior acquiring their consent. Teachers will have the power to disallow attendance to students whose unbecoming behavior will disrupt seriously the lessons. Furthermore, students will face expulsion upon being issued the fifth official reprimand. The new act provides for basic school students to enrol in professional part of the gimnazija of arts programme, music and dance field, even before they complete basic school, namely to take only professional subjects; they have the right to reside in residence halls for upper secondary school students and to subsidised travel expenses.
In December 2019, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the National Strategy for the Development of Reading Literacy 2019–2030 (.doc, sl). The new strategy’s focus is on the reading literacy as the cornerstone of other literacies. An important part of the reading literacy is the reading culture that embraces reading as a value in itself, and highlights the significance of the reading motivation. The aim of the strategy is for each and everyone in Slovenia to develop the level of literacy needed for them to become skilled at active life and work. The development of reading literacy is the foundation for economic progress, sustainable development, and social cohesion. Furthermore, continuous development of reading literacy at all ages is a prerequisite of lifelong learning. The strategy includes a framework of specific goals for different age/target groups, and descriptors of reading literacy levels per age group. For further information about the strategy see the Overall national education strategy and key objectives.
In September 2019, the new Organisation and reimbursement of travel cost for SEN children and youth Rules (sl) came into operation. The Rules define travelling of SEN children for whom funds are provided by the Ministry of education. The major change is the organisation of transport of preschool children who are entitled under the law on early treatment, and these children are now in equal position with children in adapted programmes at educational institution for SEN children and youth. The Rules came about also after the initiative put forward by parents claiming that they can provide for children to travel to and back from school or institution.
End of September 2019, the Ministry of education, science and sport and the Education, science and culture trade union of Slovenia signed an Agreement on the position of mobile teachers for additional professional support and assistance and teachers for additional professional support and assistance (sl). The agreement specifies common travel cost reimbursement and funds to reimburse for the activities of the same nature performed.
Since November 2019 until February 2020, the draft new Act on Intervention for Children and Youth with Emotional and Conduct Disorders was coordinated inter ministeries. The public debate on the draft ended in August 2019.
Its intent is to secure a single system of holistic intervention for children and youth with emotional and conduct disorders in relevant institutes that up until now had been provided within activities of various sectors, as well as set up situation to allow for professional centres that would pursue preventive activities with children in kindergartens and schools to assist and help as soon as possible and thereby, eventual placement later.
The new Act shall make provision for certain educational institutes for children with emotional and conduct disorders to reorganise in a professional centre and pursue alongside current activities:
•provide support to students after they have been discharged from the institutional setting
•implement various forms and methods of activities with students placed in professional centres
•prevention – providing assistance and helping children in mainstream kindergartens and schools;
In August 2019, the Ministry of education called out to basic and upper secondary schools (sl) to apply for participation in the project Modernisation of management and leadership in the innovative learning environments (sl); educational institutions will assume the role of schools developing and testing e-services. The project (2016–2022) aims to all-round development and computerisation of educational process in educational organisations and at the Ministry. In this scope, development shall be followed by the upgrade and implementation of modern applicative solutions to relieve pedagogical and leadership staff in managing and leading schools, as well as in this way, open possibilities for efficient implementation of flexible methods of learning and teaching. The funds planned total €2,330,000.
In August 2019, the Ministry of education forwarded to public debate the draft new Textbook fund administration Rules. It regulates the administration of the school textbook fund at schools and institutions and its solutions pursue the goals and principles to:
In May, the new Textbook fund administration Rules (sl) was published. It provides legal background for supplying free learning material to students of grades 1 and 2 in the school year 2019/2020. Additional fuds were allocated to this purpose of €1 million. Now, the total funds equal €5 million, including the important new €300,000 for interactive or digital material.
Starting with the school year 2019/2020 and based on the professional agreement described in the next paragraph, the schools will introduce new post for form teachers – form teacher placed one salary grade higher than the post for teachers of which ever title. Salary grades shall go up one grade for all teachers in November 2019, and for all teachers in the title adviser and counsellor in September 2020.