The Ministry of Education and Science proposes to create a system for teaching Latvian to adults. Or a feeding trough for bureaucrats? 0 9

The goal is to create a coordinated, transparent, and quality-based system that will ensure better teaching quality, more efficient data turnover, and management of state funding. The ministry notes that learning the Latvian language for adults is an important part of social cohesion and employment policy, considering the growing demand for language learning among newcomers.

Currently, state-funded Latvian language education for adults is carried out in collaboration with several institutions, including the Ministry of Culture, the Society Integration Foundation (SIF), the Ministry of Welfare and its subordinate institutions, as well as at the municipal level. The Ministry of Education and Science considers it necessary to strengthen coordination among these institutions and establish a clearer division of functions.

One of the proposed solutions is to create a state language learning module on the digital platform for adults called "Stars." The platform will provide a unified application for learning the Latvian language, the ability to self-assess language skills from level A1 to C2, as well as the accumulation of data on the learning process, results, and use of funding.

The module will be developed and maintained by the State Education Development Agency, while the Latvian Language Agency (LLA) will be responsible for developing the curriculum, methodological support, and improving the quality of education. The quality of teaching will be monitored by the LLA, and compliance with regulatory requirements will be overseen by the State Education Quality Service.

The report provides for a transition period until the end of 2027, during which existing mechanisms and funding for state language learning will continue to operate. The transition to a unified system will be gradual, allowing for the completion of already initiated study groups and the transfer of data from existing systems, including the SIF, the State Employment Agency, and the Ministry of Culture.

During the period from 2026 to 2028, a regulatory framework will be developed, the content of self-assessment tests for language proficiency will be created and digitized, and agreements on data exchange with relevant institutions will be concluded.

Additionally, work is underway to prepare Latvian language teachers for working with adults. A specialized training program has been established at the University of Latvia, where 37 students have already begun their studies.