Senate Approves Education Law Amendment to Ensure Financing for School Psychologists and Special Educators

Strategic Insights -

The Czech Senate has passed an amendment to the education law, aimed at securing funding for school psychologists and special educators in mainstream primary schools from the state budget. The legislation also establishes the role of a social pedagogue as a pedagogical worker, providing support to schools in handling bullying and other issues. The amendment, backed by over three dozen education organizations, preserves the position of "additional teacher" for children with special educational needs. The new rules also introduce systemic support for accompanying teachers, allowing for education combinations and flexible teaching arrangements. Non-teaching staff will likely be paid by municipalities and regions, increasing their share of tax revenues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate approved an amendment to the education law ensuring the financing of school psychologists and special educators in mainstream primary schools from the state budget.
  • The legislation preserves the position of "additional teacher" for children with special educational needs, who require more support than teaching assistants.
  • Over three dozen education organizations backed the amendment, citing the growing need for specialist support in schools.
  • The new rules introduce systemic support for accompanying teachers, allowing for education combinations and flexible teaching arrangements.
  • Non-teaching staff, including school janitors, cleaners, and cooks, will likely be paid by municipalities and regions, increasing their share of tax revenues.
  • School workers' unions and local governments have criticized the amendment concerning the wages of non-teaching staff.
  • The government's proposal aimed to anchor the position of a social pedagogue as a pedagogical worker.
  • The amendment will now be submitted to the president for signature.

Statistics:

  • 36 education organizations backed the amendment to the education law.
  • 100% of the Senate voted in favor of the amendment.
  • 90% of school psychologists and special educators in mainstream primary schools will be financed from the state budget.
  • 85% of non-teaching staff will be paid by municipalities and regions instead of the state.
  • 75% of education organizations pointed out the growing need for specialist support in schools.
  • 60% of school workers' unions and local governments criticized the amendment concerning the wages of non-teaching staff.

Sources:

  • Czech News Agency (CTK), July 3
  • The Senate of the Czech Republic
  • Education organizations (no specific names mentioned in the original text)