The Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, held a presentation regarding the new national curriculum of 2017-2023 academic year. The presentation was opened by the Minister of Education and Science – Mr. Aleksandre Jejelava. The news and major priorities of the revised national curriculum was addressed by the Deputy Minister – Ms. Lia Gigauri and the head of the national curriculum Department – Ms. Natia Jokhadze.

The national curriculum as a base document determines, what, when, and how is to be taught at schools. The document requires a periodic renewal, as it should reflect the needs of students and teachers, international practices and the current trends in the field of education. Since the beginning of the education reforms, this is the third generation of the national curriculum development, with the introduction of its primary (I-VI grades) and will be valid through the years of 2017-2023.

The revision of the national curriculum was preceded by a comprehensive preparatory work in different directions: to monitor the implementation of the national curriculum at the primary level; to study the textbook gaps; the analysis of opinions and recommendations received from schools; the analysis of meetings held with school faculties; to study the international experience (to study the national curriculum of seven developed countries and compare it to the Georgian national curriculum); taking into account the experience of experts and teachers involved in the process; to analyze the international commitments acquired by the State. 

The basic principle of the new national curriculum is oriented around the student and the learning outcome. Teaching-learning process, stands at the center of the student’s individual needs and the entire educational system is focused on this exact idea.

What kind of innovations will be presented in the new national curriculum?

The main purpose of the implemented change, is to create a learning environment, which will help to develop the capacity of each student. In order to facilitate the implementation of this goal, the following substantive changes have been made:

Based on the accumulated knowledge in the education science, some fundamental principles have been identified, which allows for a better teaching and learning process. The education system must unite around these principles, and the implementation of these principles must be carried out in each educational link, in order to focus on the student development itself.

Instead of the annual standards, a step-wise standards have been adapted, which allows the teachers to adjust the pace of educational process and tailor it to the needs of the individual students, taking into account of the students’ physical and mental characteristics, learning style, personal experience and academic needs.

The national curriculum of the new generation defines goals and missions of the primary, basic and secondary levels, in which along with other capabilities, basic skills are highlighted, such as the development of the literacy and quantitative literacy. Basic level of education, emphasizes more on the construction of more dynamic and solid teaching on the basis of teaching-learning principle. Whereas, the secondary level – underlines the more advanced and deeper understanding of the subject, and the shaping of more creative, literate, informed and responsible citizens.

The presentation of the new national curriculum was attended by the government agencies, international and non-governmental organizations, and by the teachers and principals of both public and private schools.