Feb 13 • 13:23 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

Kallas sees ongoing reforms as a solution to the fundamental shortcomings of the education system

Education Minister Kristina Kallas believes that ongoing reforms can address key issues identified in the human development report, particularly in relation to educational inequality.

Education Minister Kristina Kallas has stated that the ongoing reforms, such as the transition to Estonian-language education and the extension of compulsory schooling, will help resolve the issues presented in the human development report. However, she emphasized the need to analyze ways to make extracurricular education more accessible. The report revealed a growing educational inequality in Estonia, particularly influenced by families’ economic backgrounds, with the most significant gap seen in Tallinn.

Kallas noted that educational inequality in Estonia has become an expression of the broader wealth and income disparities that have developed over the past 30 years. In Tallinn, the concentration of students in certain schools often correlates with their parents' education and income levels, further exacerbating this inequality. Children from wealthier families tend to cluster in specific schools, whereas others are left in schools with less favorable educational outcomes, maintaining a cycle of disadvantage for those from less affluent backgrounds.

To combat this divide, Kallas is advocating for reforms that not only address the curriculum but also seek equity in educational opportunities across the board. This includes making extracurricular activities more accessible to all students, irrespective of their socio-economic status. The implications of these reforms could potentially lead to a more equitable educational landscape in Estonia, but careful analysis and implementation will be crucial for achieving substantial progress.

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