The Minister of Education and Research Tõnis Lukas stated that it is gratifying that the transition to Estonian-language education has been approved at the legislative level. ‘I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this. I am glad that the various parties have come to a common understanding that the transition to Estonian-language education must be done quickly. Transitioning all Estonian schools and kindergartens to learning and teaching in Estonian has been the primary goal of the current coalition government, and it is in the interest of the future of children and young people themselves. After all, we want all Estonian children, regardless of their mother tongue, to have the opportunity to acquire a high-quality education in Estonian. This ensures that the society will speak Estonian and therefore offers a unified information space, the necessity of which for understanding and opposing Russia's imperialist interests is explicit. The Ministry of Education and Research will certainly offer versatile support to all local governments, schools and kindergartens to ensure a smooth organisation of the transition,’ promises Lukas.
The transition to Estonian-language education starts in the 2024/2025 academic year in kindergartens and in the 1st and 4th grade and will be completed by the beginning of the 2029/2030 academic year. Until the 2029/2030 academic year, in upper secondary schools and in studies in the curriculum of vocational secondary education, up to 40% of the study volume can be in a language other than Estonian. The schools are obliged to ensure the transition to Estonian-language education in the 10th grade by the 2030/2031, in the 11th grade by the 2031/2032, and in the 12th grade by the 2032/2033 academic year. In vocational education institutions, the change concerns students studying in the curriculum of vocational secondary education.
To carry out learning and educational activities in a language other than Estonian in classes with this obligation starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, a permit must be obtained from the government, who can grant a one-year exemption to a child care institution or group at the request of the rural municipality or the city council. Schools with an in-depth study of European languages, to which the government has given the corresponding permission before 1 September 2024, can continue under the current conditions. This means that applying for a new permit every year is not necessary for them. Schools where the IB curriculum is implemented in some classes may also use a language other than Estonian as part of the studies. It is possible to use another language in addition to the Estonian language of instruction or, if necessary, another language instead of Estonian for the education of students with moderate or severe and profound learning difficulties or students with special educational needs.
The possibility remains that schools shall organise language and culture classes for students whose mother tongue is not the language of instruction or who speak a language other than the language of instruction at home, if at least ten students with the same mother tongue or home language so request.
The qualification requirement for educational workers has been supplemented with an Estonian language proficiency requirement, according to which teachers must have a C1 level of proficiency in Estonian. Compared to the original draft, the language proficiency requirement for the heads of educational institutions will take effect a year earlier than originally proposed because of changes made during the proceedings of the Riigikogu at the request of the ministry. They must meet a C1 level of proficiency starting from 1 August 2023. The heads of schools are the collective leaders and role models throughout the transition. The Estonian language proficiency requirement for teachers and support specialists as a qualification requirement will take effect on 1 August 2024.
The state supports the transition with various activities and support measures. Starting from September 2023, a minimum wage coefficient of 1.5 and, in preschool education, 1.3 will be established for all teachers teaching in Estonian in Ida-Virumaa. All education workers are offered language and refresher training, and there are various professional development projects aimed at the heads of schools. The increase in the salaries of teachers also contributes significantly to ensuring the future growth of the number of teachers.
Various state allowances are also available to schools and kindergartens for teaching in Estonian and for acquiring educational materials. New tests for language proficiency levels and the necessary course materials are being developed, and a new e-platform for educational materials is being created for use in preschool education. The existing methodological and educational materials are mapped and systematised. New language technology tools are being added to facilitate the teaching and learning of Estonian as a second language. The supervision of language teaching and language of instruction has already been expanded, and the Language Inspectorate will be involved in the supervision of preschool, general and vocational education. Starting from the 2023/2024 academic year, the state offers a counselling service supporting the transition to Estonian-language education.
Additional information: FAQ of the transition to Estonian-language education
