«Gradually expand the teaching and use of the Lithuanian language in schools (national minorities), strengthen the knowledge of the Lithuanian language by teachers, and provide more autonomy to municipalities,» said the Minister of Education, Science, and Sports at a press conference on Tuesday.
As indicated by the ministry, these proposals will aim to create broader opportunities for children to learn the Lithuanian language in preschools or primary schools.
Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Sports, Ramunas Skaudzius, spoke about the possibility of teaching social sciences: history, geography, and civic education in the Lithuanian language.
«By the decision of the school council, the mandatory language of the national community can become optional. By their own decision, schools can hire teachers who will teach in Lithuanian,» said R. Skaudzius about other possible solutions.
Teachers could improve their knowledge of the Lithuanian language on the kursuok.lt platform.
According to Minister G. Jakstas, these educational institutions require changes. According to the Ministry’s data, examination results in Russian-language schools are lower than in other schools. With Lithuanian as the language of instruction, 93% of graduates pass at least one government exam, with Polish as the language of instruction — 87%, with Russian — only 83%.