Evaluation of teachers, new curricula and books with a new, modern philosophy, the work of study groups. These are the four most important sections that the Ministry of Education is moving forward for the next academic year, thus completing the strategic plan launched in September 2019 for kindergarten, primary school, high school, general education and secondary vocational school.

In particular, the assessment of approximately 153,643 teachers (based on the latest report from the Hellenic Statistical Office for the 2019-2020 academic year) will begin in November “as an improvement process to improve the quality of education provided.” In particular, the performance of teachers will be assessed by documentation on a four-point descriptive scale, on which it will be rated from excellent to very good, from fair to unsatisfactory. To begin the process, the selection of training consultants must be completed.

Already, according to information from “K”, the Institute for Education Policy (IEP) is currently processing the reports submitted at the end of June by approximately 14,000 school units in Greece for the first stage of their evaluation. A study documenting the results with suggestions for improvement will be produced by the IEP. “Despite the reaction of some teachers, the evaluation process was finally completed after nearly four decades of not having any idea about how Greek schools work. This is considered very important as a culture of assessment may begin to take root in Greek education. And we continue with individual assessment,” Education Minister Niki Kerameos told K yesterday.

At the same time, study groups that exist in private and standard schools will be introduced in public schools. Principals may form study groups after the end of the day program or during school hours of the full day program. The groups will offer objects and activities such as free expression and entertainment, with objects related to sports, art, educational robotics, traditional games, scientific constructions – experiments, math games, rhetorical art and creative writing, etc. Teachers will participate voluntarily, outside of working hours, in groups. Each student can participate in one or two groups. The time that study group leaders devote to the organization and operation of these groups will not be counted towards their working time, but will be taken into account in their individual evaluation.

The most important part of the educational reform is the introduction of new textbooks and curricula at both levels. Yiannis Antoniou, president of the Education Policy Institute (IEP), told K yesterday that 318 new textbooks for elementary, senior and secondary schools will be announced, as well as 336 new curricula for vocational schools. universities. Along with measures that will take effect from the new school year, such as the extension of full-time school until 5:30 pm, as well as innovations introduced everywhere last year, such as English in kindergarten, skills workshops, double standards and experimental schools. and others, “the school is acquiring new dynamics, becoming more modern and autonomous, giving more incentives to students and incentives to teachers and leaders, and is a shared storehouse of knowledge and skills for everyone,” the Ministry of Education said.

Advisor – mentor

In kindergartens, primary, secondary and high schools, the institution of a pedagogical consultant-mentor will be introduced, Deputy Education Minister Zetta Macri said yesterday in K. Its role is to inspire, guide and support each newly appointed or newly appointed permanent or substitute or hourly teacher to the school unit with up to five years of previous experience. Mentors will be selected according to certain scientific and pedagogical criteria (previous experience, qualifications, knowledge of foreign languages ​​and ICT, etc.). The mentor will perform his duties outside of school hours, but during working hours, and is not exempt from extracurricular tasks and duties. In-school coordinators (class coordinators or cognitive coordinators) are also appointed to support teachers in their work, as well as in the efforts of the leadership of each school unit to strengthen it as a professional learning and development community. Administratively, they will be under the supervision of the head of the school unit, and pedagogically, they will be in direct communication and cooperation with the educational consultant.